wiring a crossing gate

I have concerns about this topic and some understanding seem to be backwards.

Details of the #90 switch: The Lionel Controller No. 90 is a single pole push button switch that was in the "normally off" position and when pushed would activate any accessory to which it was connected.

"I interrupted the other wire from the gate with a lionel 90 switch" Right, because a #90 switch is a momentary Normally Open/OFF switch, and pressing the button closes the contact.

"When I turn on the transformer the gate is activated." No, if the switch is a Normally Open- the normal unpressed state is open circuit- opposite to what is being said happens.

"Pushing the switch cuts off the power to the gate and allows it to return to rest.   This is the exact opposite of what I want" Because the switch is operating backward state- normally closed, or we have a serious misunderstanding of gate arm down VS gate arm up as the active state?

"I tried switching the terminals on the transformer but still does the same thing. " Of course that is what happened. The transformer is AC power, not DC, an polarity doesn't even matter here, the problem is in the switch- not the transformer, you are looking at the wrong thing.

Also, I would caution here- any operating item with these coils is a momentary operation device- and more constant operation of the coil in a normally closed state could lead to overheating and damage or worse.

Again, I find it hard to believe you have a normally closed #90 switch that opens when pressed. If that's the case- replace the switch.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.  

You are using a #92 switch instead of a 90. They are in the same case and look almost identical.

@ADCX Rob posted:

You are using a #92 switch instead of a 90. They are in the same case and look almost identical.

Good catch

https://ogrforum.com/topic/wha...90-and-92-controller

Here’s a pic

@Atridox posted:

Here’s a pic

@Adriatic posted:

I think the 92 cover is more squared and has a hounds tooth/diamond pattern on top too.

I had one, but can't recall what it came with ( I think it was from my Mercury X set's smallest transformer (25 or 50w))

So between the results and the cover details, you are using the wrong switch- it's not a switch- it's a #92 circuit beaker and direction button.

You need a real #90 or equivalent switch with Normally Open and momentary contact.

A Lionel 90 or the older 96 switch will work.  You want a Normally Open switch   that works like a plain old doorbell button.  The apparantly 92 or possibly 88 is a normally CLOSED button  press to cut power