Signal Light Control By Switch or Switch Controller (FasTrack & TMCC)?

[SFSC]

Have been reading with interest on the board various ways to control signals lights outside of the use of a 153C. I’m looking to install a signal where a siding comes into the mainline, with the signal indicating whether the switch is out or through. Don't feel that 153IR serves my purpose, nor do I really have room for it here. Siding parallels the mainline, with remote FasTrack switches at either end. Switches will probably be on their own power supply. Might I control the red/green (or red/yellow/green of the Mainline Color Position Signal, L-12883) on the signal by wiring into the switch or the SC2? Please be gentle as I’m new at this… (it’s been about 35-40 years since)!

Thanks!

[phillyreading]

Welcome SFSC,

You can wire into the switches if the switches are like the old 022's, tap into the outside posts for the direction(neutral wire) and run a hot wire to the signal for power, should be from the same transformer. Don't use the center as that post supplies the neutral.
This method don't work on 027 switches, this is for others who read this post.
Lee Fritz

[lionelsoni]

They are much more complicated than the O22 turnouts. Whether Lee's method would work with them, I don't know.

In any case, I believe that his method would work with O22s only if you use non-momentary switches to throw the turnout. If you use momentary switches, like the Lionel controller, the signal would light only while the controller handle is operated. You could however operate the signals by returning the signal common to the ground terminal (or the outside rails), in which case the signal lamps would just parallel those in the controller.

If the fastrack turnouts will at least tolerate a non-momentary switch as a controller, you can always use a double-pole switch, with one pole dedicated to throwing the turnout and the other to operating the signal.

[phillyreading]

Bob, I don't know about the new Fastrac switches but the 022's use a momentary contact switch & I would assume the Fastrac does as well so that you don't burn out the solenoid in the switch. Have used this method with Lionel 6-23011 switches as well. Don't know much about Fastrac except that I am staying away from it because of replacement cost for my layout, I have five main loops and two sidings and one side track that dead ends. Have an 8 by 12 foot layout with an upper level that measures 6 by 10 feet.
Lee Fritz

[SFSC]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lionelsoni

If the fastrack turnouts will at least tolerate a non-momentary switch as a controller, you can always use a double-pole switch, with one pole dedicated to throwing the turnout and the other to operating the signal.

To clarify, switches will be controlled via TMCC remote and SC2 switch controller.