Atlantic Coast S Gaugers - ACSG Carolinas Division
"Promoting S Gauge along the East Coast"

Carolinas Division - Lionel Ambassador Program

October 2015 - Lionel Ambush Shack # 6-12955

There are two things our club stresses when we set up our modular layout: smooth operating trains and plenty of button operated accessories for the spectators to activate. The trains are enjoyed by the lovers of trains in all of us, but the operating accessories are the thrill of children of all ages.

One of my favorite accessories on my modules is the Lionel Operating Gateman. Since Lionel began producing the gateman accessory in 1935 there have been many variations of the railroad figure and several produced with a holiday theme such as a Santa Claus Gateman and a Nutcracker Gateman for the Christmas season. There is also a "Grim-reaper" for Halloween.

The one that I enjoy most, and is a hit with both parents and children, is the Lionel Ambush Shack (#6-12955) issued in 1997 with the Looney Tunes characters: Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner. Though it is not listed as a "gateman" it uses the same basic design that has been the gateman accessory since 1935. It is designed to be operated by a 153 C track trip that makes the man/figure come out of the little shed when the train passes over that section of track. On my module when a spectator presses the button out comes Wile E. Coyote with eating utensils in "hand" ready to eat the Road Runner who has stopped to eat some seed at the at the shed which is labeled as a Acme Seed Company. Another difference is that in place of the railroad crossing sign is a sign that announces "Free Feed" to bait the Road Runner to stop.

It is a simple designed accessory that has a lighted interior and a great looking Wile and Road Runner cartoon characters. Wile is such a favorite of the crowd that his button is pushed much more than the other gatemans. I really think it is a favorite more of the adults who remember Wile and Road Runner from their childhood cartoon characters. There are at least five other gateman accessories with different figures coming out of the shed, but I think Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner are the crowd favorite. The only improvement I think Lionel could make is to add a sound module that would play the "Beep, Beep" sound when Wile E. Coyote comes out of the Acme Seed Company shed.

Jack Ruth

Ambassador Program Information and Details

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