To cut to the chase, I bought a pair of vintage HO scale slow action Crossing Gate kits, originally from Don Fowler Co. in Los Angeles, and can't seem to get the two-way solenoid to activate either way. Each coil shows a passive resistance of about 1.6 ohms, and both are clearly drawing current when connected to accessory voltage (about 15VAC), but other than a slight hum, there's no movement. The solenoid mechanism easily slides back and forth manually with little or no resistance, but will not "throw" when electrically activated.
I've been unable to find the manufacturer (the address leads to a smallish residence, leading me to think the 'company' was just a home business/hobby which may no longer be active) for help or advice, so I'm open to any advice/guidance in either locating the OEM or its successor, or suggestions about getting the crossing gate to work. There are still plenty of these units for sale on the online auction sites, so either everyone is being duped, or there's either a solution, or something I'm missing. Help!
