The Lionel Highway Crossing Gate No. 262 when released in 1962 used the modified base of the No. 252 Crossing Gate to which was added a cross buck with two RED warning lights. Essentially the No. 262 replaced the No. 252 which, although it was still cataloged, was most likely not produced after 1961.

Missing from this highway crossing gate are the clear plastic light transfer bar and warning lights that were used on the No. 252, although the base still has the opening for the light — there is no light.

This highway crossing gate was covered in the last two issues of instruction sheet No. 145-56 for the No. 145C Contactor dated 2/62 and 4/65 which was used to trigger the operation of the gate. However, for some unknown reason these instructions were never included with the 262’s. Also unknown is why Lionel would issue special instructions for this accessory instead of using the No. 145C sheet.

As one of the austerity measures that were instituted at Lionel in the early 1960’s, Lionel would reduce the size of the instruction sheet to 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" which was then folded to create four pages. Two of these instruction sheets numbered 262-11 were issued. The first is dated 8-62 and the second 3/65. They state incorrectly that the lights automatically flash when activated and there is no mention of the correct replacement correct bulbs No. L19(R) that were required by this accessory. In fact, the No. 145C instruction sheet incorrectly lists the number L53(R) bayonet base bulb instead of the correct pin type L19(R) bulbs.

There are two known types of packaging that were used for the Highway Crossing Gate. The first was a display box (pictured above right and below) and a blister pack that was designed to be hung from a dealer’s rack. This accounts for two of the three variations:

Variation A: Has BLACK slash marks on the gate and came in a display box.

Variation B: Has BLACK slash marks on the gate and is housed in a blister pack that is numbered B262. The value of this variation is based on the condition of the original packaging. Because this packaging had to be compromised to remove the gate, it is extremely hard to find today intact. Pristine quality of this packaging can command a substantial premium today. Produced in 1966.

Variation C: Has RED slash marks on the gate. This may be an early MPC production, but the examples that have been found show the original Lionel post war printing on the bottom of the base. None of these have been found in MPC packaging.

Produced from 1962 to 1966 and also in 1968 and 1969, the last year of the Post War Era.

Dimensions: Base is 3-1/2" x 1-5/8", length 9-7/8", height 9-7/8"