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How to Hook Up Sensors for HO Scale Railroad Crossings

Model railroading can provide countless hours of entertainment and activity for hobbyists. One of the most pivotal components of a model railroad are the crossing sensors, which trigger the crossing gates when the model locomotive nears. This connection involves moderate knowledge of electrical pressure switches and can prove somewhat challenging. Luckily, setup of this component requires only a small amount of instruction and preparation to accomplish the task successfully.

Things You'll Need

HO gauge electrical hobby wire
Wire strippers
Flathead screwdriver
HO gauge transformer

Instructions

- 1
  Place the crossing sensor underneath the track. Most of these sensors are molded so that they snap into place, so make sure you line it up with the track correctly.
- 2
  Measure and cut two strands of wire long enough to span the distance between the sensor and your transformer, using the wire strippers to cut the wires. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off of each end of both wires using the wire strippers.
- 3
  Place an end of a wire into one of the terminals on the sensor and secure it into place with the flathead screwdriver. Repeat with the other terminal and wire.
- 4
  Place the other end of one of these wires into a terminal on the crossing gate and secure it into place with the screwdriver. Place the end of the other wire into an AC terminal on your transformer and secure it into place with the screwdriver.
- 5
  Cut a length of wire and strip its ends with the wire strippers; make sure this length is long enough to span the distance between the crossing gate and the transformer. Secure one end of this wire to the leftover terminal on the crossing gate and secure the other end to the leftover AC terminal on the transformer.

Model Railroads