Lionell 152 Block signal to fast Tracks using a relay DPDT

[berkshireman]

Hi all,

Any idea where to get a DPDT relay for hooking up to Fast Track from my ZW accessories side for a 153 Block signal. thank, you, Ken

[gunrunnerjohn]

Have you looked at the Atlas #200 Snap Relay?  It's a DPDT two-coil latching relay, perfect for many signaling chores.

 

 

[steve24944]

The Atlas Relay  is meant to be only used for quick momentary contact - if used with a control rail, as a train passes over the the relay will be on too long and over heat.  I tried to use the Atlas relay for signals, and it did work well until I noticed that the relay was overheating and melting the plastic housing.

I have used relays from Radio shack,  12V DC/10A  DPDT   #275-218   - you will also need a bridge rectifier which you can also get from radio shack.   I can usually find the stuff I need in stock at Radio Shack for signal circuits etc ....

Steve

[steve24944]

If you want to see a good plan for a relay circuit -Try this link - www.toytrainrevue.com

Steve

[lionelsoni]

There is a simple way to operate a signal from a control rail (an insulated outside rail), which I have described a number of times on the forum, using only an extra incandescent lamp:

Connect the green lamp's terminal to the layout common, that is, the outside rails generally.  Connect the red lamp's terminal to the supply, whether the center rail or a separate accessory supply.  Connect the signal's common (the terminal connected to both lamps) to the control rail.  Then connect an extra lamp in parallel with the red lamp, that is, effectively between the supply and the control rail.  The extra lamp should have the same voltage rating as the signal lamps but draw twice the current.  When the signal lamps are number 52s or 53s, as they often are or could be, a number 57 is ideal as the extra lamp.  An alternative is to use two extra lamps in parallel, of the same type as in the signal.

A couple of years ago, I was surprised to come across almost the same idea in an old book I was reading.  [Raymond F. Yates, Making and Operating Model Railroads, D. Appleton-Century, New York, 1943]  It was attributed to Albert C. Kalmbach, the founder of the very company that sponsors this web site.  The difference was that he used an ordinary resistor in place of the extra lamp.  However, lamps work much better in this circuit.

[gunrunnerjohn]

steve24944

The Atlas Relay  is meant to be only used for quick momentary contact - if used with a control rail, as a train passes over the the relay will be on too long and over heat.  I tried to use the Atlas relay for signals, and it did work well until I noticed that the relay was overheating and melting the plastic housing.

Since you have DPDT, you can use one of the contacts to break the circuit to the coil once it is tripped.