How To Automate A Model Railway Level Crossing

 

page update in progress

 

This is for a level crossing with everything from flashing lights, warning bells, gates and accessories

Using the circuit board below, you can choose to have your crossing with two or four gates and flashing crossbucks.

As is typical of grade crossings, the bells will start ringing as soon as a train enters the protected area. Shortly after that the lights will start flashing and the gates lowering.

The circuit allows you to choose to have 1, 2 or 3 tracks, in any arrangement,  in the protected area.

As long as any train is within the protected area, the bells ring, gates stay lowered and lights flash.

You can adjust gate speed, gate angles, flash rates and the bells/light delay.

There is an option to have a separate accessory activated when a train is in the protected area.

If you wish only flashing lights with bells,   Go here.

Videos

This set of videos shows the system working in mock-up mode

4 gates 4 lights –

2 gates 4 lights  –

2 gates 2 lights  –

Warning Lights And Bells –

Materials

Because this system is rather complex, we use a professionally made circuit board. It is shown in the image to the left.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the circuit board we mount basic board elements.  To the left is a 3D model of the finished board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Resistor 270 ohm                             2
• DFPlayer mini                                   1
• Arduino mini pro                              1
• Pin Header                                         1
• 2 pin 5 mm pitch screw terminal   28
• Dupont pin socket                           2
• IR sensors                                         2, 4 or 6 6
• 3mm replacement leds pair          4, 8 or12
• Servos    TowerPro SG90             2 or 4
• Speaker .5 ohm .5 watt                 1
• FT232RL FTDI programmer      1
• Circuit Board                                  1

IR Sensors –  2, 4, or 6, depending on the number of tracks you put in your crossing.
3mm replacement LEDs for the IR sensors – 2. 4, or 6 sets, depending on the number of tracks you put in your crossing.

2 or 4 gate servos, depending on your choice

You can get what you need in one place here.

 

Wiring Diagram.

This is a simplified overview of the board layout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assembly

Waiting on photographer for images.

 

The Code

This is a unique code. The crossing will remain active as long as any track in the protected area is occupied.  Additionally, just as happens on operating railroads, the the bells start ringing before the lights start flashing.

You can adjust gate speed, gate angles, flash rates and the bells/light delay.   Instructions are here. BBBB

Feedback

Please let us know if this page has been helpful  And if you have questions or suggestions, use this spam free system.