A railroad gateman emerges from his shack and waves a lantern to warn motorists and pedestrians that a train is approaching. A switchman emerges from a yard shack to direct trains through switches or crossovers.

The Lionel 145 Automatic Gateman was introduced in 1950. It is based on the prewar O45N Gateman.

The green metal base is 7" wide by 5 3/4" deep. The white plastic shack is 6 3/4" high. The shack has a red roof, toolbox lid, and door. A white plastic crossbuck with black lettering stands next to the shack.

The shack is lighted with a L431 bulb. (Click the number for bulb specifications.)

When activated, the door opens and a blue suited man emerges from the shack. The man is 2 3/4" high: 1:48 scale for about 11 feet. Not too much off scale (for Lionel and toy trains).

An accessory that has fascinated kids for generations.

Lionel has re-issued the Automatic Gateman as the 2145.

Electrical connections for the 145 Automatic Gateman are made under the roof. Wires can be run up from the bottom (through the hole in the lower left corner in the diagram) or through three small holes on the right side in the diagram. There are connections for "COMMON," "LIGHT," and "GATEMAN." The COMMON connection is for both the light and the gateman. The LIGHT connection powers the light bulb, and the GATEMAN connection causes the man to emerge from the shack.

Recommended operating power is 14 volts, AC for the L431 light bulb shipped with the 145. For the Gateman, 10-16 volts AC, is recommended: a little adjustment is usually needed for best operation.

A 145C weighted contactor came with the 145 Automatic Gateman.

The 145 Automatic Gateman can also be operated with an insulated outside track rail. Make an isolated rail from one or more track sections so the Gateman emerges as a train approaches the highway crossing. The accessory can also serve as a yard signalman, perhaps near switches or a crossover.

The 145 Automatic Gateman can also be operated with Three-Rail Innovations' Two Relay Controller . A number of different operating modes can be configured for more action or to compensate for isolated rail limitations.