New crossbucks

My sole layout crossing is guarded by a crossbuck made by Tennessee Valley Custom Models. They feature stained wooden post and a cardstock crossing sign on top. However, they have two flaws: the paper signs are warping and they aren't strong enough to survive rough play from my son. 

I have had to repair the wooden post several times from occasional bumps and knocks, and I don't fault T.V.C.M. for that. I left the hole in the scenery a little oversize so that I could remove them when working on my layout and that provides a little "give", but not enough. The warping of the cardstock was bothering me though. I couldn't think of an easy way to correct that.

So, I bought some replacement crossbucks from Tichy (#2063). For $10 you get 8 if them molded in white styrene with raised lettering already painted black. They looked a little too "plasticy" for me out of the package, but when the post had been trimmed flush on the top with the crossbucks and painted brown it helped minimize its size. Some weathering powders gave it a dirty, partially faded look. 

Both products work, but I am really happy with the Tichy ones.