Relay

Ed, to me the easiest method is the old school insulated outside rail. Modern methods are infra red detectors that have built in relays. Not sure of your experience with any of this so I’ll leave it to you for a little more added detail so that suggestions can be offered. 

The relay modules from China on eBay are very nice for the price. They require DC power (generally 12vdc or 5vdc) to operate. The load side (NO/NC and COM) can handle up to 10 amps. The input side uses opto-isolation prior to driving the coils. They come in various configurations from 1 to 8 relays per module as shown below:

  -- Leo

I would mix the two ideas of the insulated rail and the relay. I would use a time delay relay from ebay. Use the insulated rail to trigger the relay, that way you'll get smooth operation of whatever device you choose.

If you really want to get fancy, use two  insulated sections, one on either side of the road, or one really long insulated rail. That would make it behave realistically.

Insulated Track Signal Driver

No offence John, but at one fifth the price, this one should do the job.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

No offence John, but at one fifth the price, this one should do the job.

None taken.

Ed Hilgier posted:

Hello,

Please provide the type of relay I could use to activate a crossing gate, banjo signal and any other Lionel accessories. Also, the best place to purchase a relay on online.

Thanks,

Ed 

Use the LIONEL 153IR (Infra red).  They work beautifully! Never fail!!

Fredstrains

For the accessories mentioned (where you only need an on-off switch), it is often easier to use an insulated track section as your switch instead of using a relay.

Not really, the 153IR do a much better job!