A Flashing Highway Signal is a highway crossing warning device to alert motorists and pedestrians of an approaching train. When a train is present, the red lights alternately flash, at a specified 35 to 65 flashes per minute.

The Lionel 154 Automatic Highway Signal was introduced in 1940 and is still available.

It is 9" high, making it a 1:48 scale model of a 36' high crossing signal. While a bit tall for O Gauge, it serves well for a toy train layout: the flashing lights are bright and get attention.

The black base (rare versions in red and orange) and black lights fixture are diecast metal. The post and finial cap are formed sheet metal. Prewar versions have a white diecast crossbuck sign with black die-stamped lettering. Postwar versions can have different crossbucks: white diecast with raised black lettering, white plastic with raised black lettering, or black plastic with raised white lettering.

Screw base light bulbs ( L1449R , 14 volts) were used from 1940 to 1949. Bayonet bulbs ( L53R , L363R ) were used after 1950. (Click the number for bulb specifications.)

Electrical connections for the 154 Highway Signal are made to three terminal posts on the base. One "common" terminal is usually connected to an accessory transformer. The other two posts connect to one of the light bulbs, as shown in the diagram. The light bulb connections are wired to the mechanism for controlling the signal.

The 154C contactor was created for the 154 Crossbuck signal. It attaches to the track like a "lock-on" and has a spring-loaded plate that rests on the outside rail, but is insulated from it. The plate has two separate parts, which are each connected to a bulb terminal on the signal base. As train wheels pass over the contactor plate, lights on the 154 Crossbuck go on and off, but don't actually flash alternately.

The crossbuck can also be operated with an insulated outside track rail. Make two short (inch or so) insulated rail sections separated by another inch or so of rail. Connect each insulated rail section to a bulb. The lights will go on and off, but won't exactly flash alternately.

The 154 Crossbuck is best operated with with Three-Rail Innovations' Two Relay Controller . The lights will alternately flash at a 60 flashes-per-minute prototypical rate. You can also accurately control where on the track a moving train will cause the 154 to start and stop flashing, provide for a 154 on either side of the track, activate 154 signals from multiple tracks, and operate other highway signals or animated structures.

A 154 Highway Signal can be positioned on each side of the track (or tracks) that the highway crosses. Both can be operated by one set of 2RC relays by connecting the signals' terminals in parallel. The following diagram illustrates two paralleled 154 Highway Signals connected to the same 2RC relays.

Three-Rail Innovations' "Two Relay Controller" can be used to operate the Lionel 154 Crossbuck in a variety of ways as trains move from track block to track block, allowing you to fully exploit the visitor appeal of this classic trackside accessory.