Placement of insulated tracks for gateman and crossing gates on new layout

With optical sensors and  Lionels new under track between rail sensors, I don't know that I would use insulated tracks or pressure sensors as my sensors.

@raising4daughters posted:

Can the gateman be connected to an insulated track on each mainline? What happens a train on each mainline is going across the insulated track at the same time?

Yes. On a common ground layout, nothing bad happens, there are just two paths completing the circuit instead of one.

@raising4daughters posted:

What type of push-button switch would you recommend for manual operation of the gateman?

90c. Or any SPST button to your liking.

@raising4daughters posted:

Similar question on crossing gates. On my last layout, they only came down and went up with a train on one mainline, but they weren't activated by the other mainline...

Exactly the same as the gateman. You can have as many trigger sections located anywhere you want as far apart as desired to get the operation you wish. You can even add a button in parallel with the trigger sections for when there is no train.

Awesome. Thanks Rob!