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The Polar Express Conductor Gateman (Item 6-82735)

Howard ReedHoward ReedOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I purchased The Conductor Gateman for my Christmas tree layout about 1.5 years ago at the York train meet. Today I set it up for the first time using Lionel's Plug-Expand-Play Accessory Activator Track Pack (Item 6-81317). The problem with it is when the solenoid which moves the conductor activates, it draws a lot of power (amperage). So much power is used to activate the conductor that it stops the train and the green light on the CW80 transformer blinks. Also, I believe the solenoid gets hot, and then is turned off by the unit. This happens after about 30 seconds (or less) of use. 

I know I can connect a larger transformer, but that does not eliminate the heating problem. I also thought of possibly buying a replacement solenoid, but I do not want to do this if the new solenoid is going to draw just as much amperage.

What I was hoping is someone else had this unit, and could shed some light on my problem. Thanks

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M MoonmanOGR Forum Member

Check to confirm that you have the cuts in each of the 5" tracks of the 6-81317 activator pack on the same outside rail side. One outside rail on each piece has a cut to isolate the common until an axle set (wheels) makes the connection.

Having these on opposite sides could create a "short" or the amp draw that you describe.

If you zoom on page 5 of the gateman manual, it shows the cuts on the rail opposite of the gateman/pnp connector.(see attached)

Also, the switch is removed from the connections with the activator track method. It should be plugged directly to the track.

Which Polar engine are you running? A conventional or a LionChief remote version? I am trying to determine how much track voltage is available when the train passes.

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ted Kted KOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I use the 153IR - hook it to Aux Power - not track power and it works great - I have also used the accessory activation pack  but do not use track power to power the accessory - just use it as the "trigger" to activate the accessory - works great with crossing gates etc - just a thought the 153IR is more pricey than activation pack but it works great 

 

ted

M MoonmanOGR Forum Member
Howard Reed posted:

The rail gaps in the 5" sections of track are set up correctly, and the track works. The problem is when the gateman activates the solenoid draws so much power the train stops. For this year I connected the gateman to the control box which came with the unit, and connected that to a separate transformer.

Okay, something just doesn't sound right and I can't visualize the cause. Does the gateman hop out briskly when on the separate transformer with the button?

 

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