Every Christmas I set up my 8' x 8' Lionel train set (circa 1956) for the grandkids. Several years ago I bought a 153 IR controller (6-14111) to use with my Automatic Gateman (6-2145) I have tried every which way to get this to work but just can't. I'm not an Electrical Engineer but do understand electricity 101. I sent the automatic gateman to a Lionel repair shop to have some parts replaced and it works fine. I also had the 153IR tested and it works too. Instead of the 153IR controller I am using a 153C controller. The instructions say to use a 145C controller but the 153C works just fine.
My question is: Reading the instructions for the 153IR controller for the automatic gateman wiring I noticed it shows the automatic gateman model 6-12713 but mine is a model #6-2145. Could this be the reason I can not get the 153IR to work? I would think the wiring for the gateman would be the same to the 153IR regardless of the model number.
It seems like such a minor thing but it drives me crazy that I can't get it to work as it should.
Hi John,
Have a look at this pdf file, bottom of page 8:
https://www.lionelsupport.com/media/servicedocuments/71-4091-250.pdfThe Automatic Gateman is wired differently when using an insulated track vs. the 153IR.
I was going to circuit trace and send you photos of mine until I came across the above pdf which is worth "a thousand words".
Good luck!
Roger
Thank you Roger, I'll give that a try.