I bought the Lionel Halloween gateman. Do all these gateman only emerge halfway? I removed the bottom to see if the mechanism was binding but couldn't see anything obvious. Are there any tricks to getting this to work, or is it just junk?

These newer Lionel accessories seem to have a few design flaws. I remember watching the newer Lionel operating switch tower on a TM video once. Both figures move out of the building at the same time. That totally defeats the purpose of the original illusion! The original accessory had one figure run down the stairs while the other disappeared in the doorway, so it looked like they were the same person running around.

What I have found helpful is to look at the original service guide for the original design and then as I see that changes that were made, I usually can figure out where the flaw exists. Often the fixes have been very simple. I would suggest starting there. In this instance could be a voltage issue or the parts do not freely move preventing full operation.
I hope this helps.

I don't have the Halloween gateman but do have the originals. What voltage are you using? You may need to up the voltage for the gateman to fully come out.

Try a little white grease, like we use on engine gears on the moving levers underneath the base. Make sure it is compatible with any plastic parts that may be there.
The voltage point is a good one but only if the mechanisms are moving freely.

Good luck, I'm sure you will get it working.