Introduction
If you’re looking to add some action and detail to your train layout, the Bachmann Trains E-Z Track Crossing Gate is a great option. This crossing gate not only looks authentic, but it also adds an extra level of realism to your HO scale train set.
Funciona muy bien
One reviewer mentioned that this crossing gate works very well. It fits perfectly with Bachmann Steel Alloy or Nickel Silver E-Z Track and the gates automatically lower as the train passes by. The mechanical setup ensures that the gates only go down when the train is in the roadway, adding to the realism of the crossing experience.
User-friendly
It’s important to note that this item is meant to be a part of your train display and not a toy for kids. Some bad reviews may have resulted from a misunderstanding of this fact. However, for those who understand its purpose, it is a fantastic addition to a train layout.
Compatibility and considerations
The Bachmann Trains E-Z Track Crossing Gate is designed for HO scale trains and is compatible with both the Bachmann Steel Alloy and Nickel Silver E-Z Tracks. However, it’s important to ensure that your train is not too light for the crossing. Some reviewers mentioned that lighter trains can lose contact with the rails or even get easily derailed. Additionally, the gates may also close if a non-train object, like a hot wheel car, pushes down on the plastic plate in the middle of the track.
the Bachmann Trains E-Z Track Crossing Gate is a user-friendly and realistic addition to your train layout. While it may have some limitations, it is highly functional when used correctly and can greatly enhance the overall enjoyment of your HO scale train set.
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Product Overview
The Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium is a must-have addition for train enthusiasts looking to add action and detail to their train layouts. This authentic-looking crossing gate automatically lowers as the train passes by, providing a realistic touch to your setup.
Easy Assembly and Compatibility
As mentioned in the reviews, this crossing gate is easy to assemble and compatible with Bachmann Steel Alloy or Nickel Silver E-Z Track in HO Scale 1:87. It seamlessly fits into the existing track layout and adds a touch of authenticity to your train display.
Not a Toy, But Still Fun
While it’s important to note that this crossing gate is not meant to be a toy for children, it can still provide fun and entertainment for train enthusiasts of all ages. Some reviewers mentioned how their children found unique ways to interact with the gate, like launching hot wheels cars through it before the gates could close. However, it is crucial to ensure that the train used is an HO scale engine, as the track has a plastic plate down the middle that needs to be passed over for the gates to close properly.
How It Works
Contrary to some expectations, this crossing gate is gravity-powered by the weight of the train rather than being electrically or rail-powered. This means that lighter cars may cause the gates to bounce back up. Additionally, the lights on the gate are purely decorative and do not blink.
Limitations and Considerations
It is essential to be aware that this crossing gate may break easily and the barriers might not stay down when toy trains go over them. Some reviewers mentioned these limitations and expressed their disappointment. However, overall, the gate performs as advertised and closes when the train is passing.
the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium is a visually appealing and functional addition to your train layout, enhancing its realism. Despite a few limitations, it is a valuable accessory for train enthusiasts looking to bring action and detail to their setups.
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Features
The Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium offers several features that enhance the authenticity and action of your train layout.
Authentic Looking Crossing Gate
This crossing gate is designed to closely resemble real-life railroad crossings, adding a realistic touch to your train layout. The attention to detail in the design ensures that it seamlessly integrates into the overall visual appeal of your setup.
Automatic Barrier Lowering
As a train passes by, the crossing gate’s barriers automatically lower, just like the real thing. This dynamic feature adds a sense of movement and realism to your train layout, bringing it to life.
Compatibility with Bachmann Steel Alloy or Nickel Silver E-Z Track
The crossing gate is designed to be compatible with Bachmann Steel Alloy or Nickel Silver E-Z Track, ensuring a seamless integration into your existing track setup. This compatibility allows for easy installation and operation.
the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium offers a high level of detail, action, and compatibility to enhance your train layout. With its automatic barrier lowering feature and authentic design, this crossing gate brings a sense of realism and excitement to your model train world. Despite some minor drawbacks mentioned in reviews, such as occasional tuning and the need for additional track pieces for longer cars, this crossing gate is a great addition to your train layout, allowing for hours of fun and enjoyment.
Compatibility
If you’re considering purchasing the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium, it’s important to understand its compatibility and functionality. This review section will provide you with insights from customers who have already used the product.
Mechanical System with Delicate Design
According to one reviewer, this crossing gate operates solely on a mechanical system. The gates automatically lower as the train passes by and pushes down on the panel between the rails. However, it’s worth noting that this mechanism is delicate and not suitable for small children. Light trains may encounter issues, such as losing contact with the rails and stopping, while light cars can easily derail, especially if they’re the last car in the train.
Limitations and Recommendations
To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended not to leave the E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE unattended unless you weigh down all the cars. Additionally, this product tends to work better on smooth surfaces rather than carpeted areas. If you’re using it on a carpeted surface, placing a sheet of construction paper underneath will improve its functionality.
Gravity-Powered and Decorative Lights
Contrary to some misconceptions, this crossing gate is not powered by the rails but by the weight of the train. Lighter cars can cause the gates to bounce back up, and the lights are purely decorative, without any blinking function. Despite this, customers found it to be a nice unit and enjoyed having it as part of their train set.
Adjustments may be required
While Bachmann is known for producing quality products at fair prices, a few reviewers mentioned that occasional tuning may be needed for the pressure plate that activates the crossing barriers. Some users observed slag along the edges of the pressure plate, which required removal with a razor blade. Additionally, the plate may sometimes bow upward and need to be straightened and re-seated. It’s also important to consider the distance between the trucks on the cars. If it exceeds the 8″ length of the pressure plate, the barriers may drop while the car is crossing.
Not a Toy, but a Great Addition to Your Display
To emphasize, this product is meant to be a part of your train display rather than a toy for kids. Understanding this distinction is crucial, as many negative reviews resulted from a misunderstanding of its purpose. Despite this, customers were generally satisfied with the product’s performance when used as intended. The gates functioned well with compatible E-Z tracks, and they closed properly when the train passed through.
the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium is a nice, fun addition to any train set or display. While it may have some limitations and require occasional adjustments, it offers an authentic and detailed crossing gate experience. Just remember to consider the compatibility, use it as intended, and enjoy the enhanced action it brings to your train layout.
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Assembly and User Experience
Authentic looking but limited features
If you’re looking to add some action and detail to your train layout, the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE is worth considering. This crossing gate is designed to be compatible with Bachmann Steel Alloy or Nickel Silver E-Z Track in HO Scale 1:87.
Easy assembly and operation
Assembly is straightforward, and the crossing gate easily connects with other E-Z Track rails. There are no complicated wiring or power requirements, as this system is entirely mechanical. Once connected, the gates automatically lower as the train passes by, adding a realistic touch to your layout. It’s important to note that this crossing gate does not include operational lights or sound effects.
Delicate but fun addition
While the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE provides an enjoyable experience, it is worth mentioning that it can be delicate. It is not recommended for small children due to its mechanical nature. Additionally, users have reported that it may not work as well with light trains, as the engines can lose contact with the rails, causing them to stop. Light cars can also become easily derailed, especially if they are the last in the train.
Considerations for optimal performance
For optimal performance, it is suggested to use the crossing gate on a smooth surface rather than a carpeted one. Placing a sheet of construction paper underneath can help with this. Additionally, if you plan to operate the crossing gate unattended, it is recommended to weigh down all the cars to prevent any issues.
Overall, a nice addition to your set
Despite the limitations mentioned, the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE is a nice and fun addition to any train set. It adds a touch of realism to your layout, and its ease of assembly makes it a user-friendly option. Whether you are a train enthusiast or looking to enhance your train layout, this crossing gate can bring some action and detail to your setup.
Pros and Cons
Works well
The Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium is a great addition to your train layout. It adds authenticity and detail, making your display come to life. One of the standout features is that the gates automatically lower as the train passes by, creating a realistic effect. Users have praised this functionality, noting that the gates go all the way down when the train crosses through.
Easy to assemble
Customers have found the assembly process to be relatively simple and straightforward. The product is designed to be compatible with Bachmann Steel Alloy or Nickel Silver E-Z Track in HO Scale 1:87, making it easy to integrate into your existing setup. Some users have reported that the gates don’t go down until the train is in the roadway, but this hasn’t bothered them.
However, it’s important to note a few cons of the product. Firstly, if you have a track with a plastic plate down the middle, like the one included with this gate crossing, lighter trains may get stuck. Additionally, some users have experienced issues with the pressure plate that activates the crossing barriers, which may require occasional tuning and adjustments. Lastly, the barriers may not stay down when toy trains go over, causing them to go up and down.
the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium is a quality product that enhances your train layout, but it may have some limitations and require occasional maintenance or adjustments.
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FAQs
How does the crossing gate work?
The Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE is an authentic-looking addition to your train layout. It adds action and detail as the gates automatically lower when a train passes by.
Is it compatible with all tracks?
Yes, this crossing gate is compatible with Bachmann Steel Alloy or Nickel Silver E-Z Track in HO Scale 1:87.
Is it easy to assemble?
According to reviews, the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE is easy to assemble. It comes in the standard length, and you may need to purchase an additional straight piece for the opposite side of the track (not included).
Does it work well?
Customers have reported that it works as advertised. The gates close when the train is passing by, adding a realistic touch to your train set.
Are there any limitations?
One reviewer mentioned that the gates bounce back up if lighter train cars pass over them. Additionally, the lights on the crossing gate are simply decoration and do not blink.
Any tips for maintenance?
A customer suggests occasional tuning of the pressure plate that activates the crossing barriers. Sometimes, the plate may have slag along the edges that needs to be removed with a razor blade. Additionally, if the distance between the cars you are running is greater than the length of the pressure plate, the barriers may drop while the car is crossing.
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Conclusion
The Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium is a quality product that adds action and detail to your train layout. While it does have a few drawbacks, overall it is a great addition to any set.
One of the main issues with this crossing gate is the occasional need for tuning. The pressure plate that activates the crossing barriers may require adjustments to remove slag or straighten it if it bows upward. Additionally, if the distance between the trucks on your cars is greater than the length of the pressure plate, the barriers may drop while the car is still crossing.
It’s important to note that this crossing gate is not meant to be a toy for kids. It is designed to be a part of your train display. Many negative reviews stem from the misunderstanding that it is a toy. However, it fits perfectly with Bachmann E-Z Track and the gates go all the way down when the train crosses through.
It’s worth mentioning that this crossing gate is not compatible with all types of tracks. It works best with E-Z Track rails and may not function as well on smooth surfaces or with light trains. Additionally, the lights on the crossing gate are not operational, and there are no sounds.
Overall, if you’re looking to add a realistic crossing gate to your train layout, the Bachmann Trains E-Z TRACK CROSSING GATE – HO Scale Medium is a great choice. It may require occasional adjustments, but it adds a fun and authentic touch to your setup.