Issues with getting the Lionel No. 6-2154 Operating Highway Flasher to work

[jwilharm]

I'm having issues getting it to work (Flasher purchased in 1975).  A few things:

1) I'm using the No. 153C contactor, instead of the recommended No. 154C contactor.  I don't know if that's causing issues.

2) Once the contactor is connected to the Flasher and the track, my locomotive completely stalls when approaching the contactor.  

Let me know if you have any troubleshooting tips.   

[ADCX Rob]

You really need the 154C with it's  center rail clip & split rail ground contactor to get this to work.

Have a look here:

154/2154 (& others) Manual

Rob 

[1688torpedo]

 Hello JW!   ADCXRob is Right on.  The 153c will only work with the 153,152,2162,140, or 2140 Signal's. The 154c is the correct version to use with your 2154 Highway Flasher as it has the proper ground circuit for the lights to flash. Or, You can use the new Flashing Circuit Board that Lionel has made for use with the 2154 & modern versions. If you go to Lionel's Website you should be able to find a Circuit Board for better flashing action from your 154. Hope this helps. Take Care.

[Chris F]

The highway flasher circuit board (so to www.stanorrtrainparts.com and search for "2760" ) is less expensive than a new 154C, and it works better.

The board has four wires - here's how you would connect them:

Yellow wire - to center rail (hot) or to fixed voltage transformer terminal (terminal 1 on signal is not used)

Black wire - to insulated outside rail of insulated track section

Red - to terminal 2 on signal

Red - to terminal 3 on signal

When a train is on the insulated track section, the wheels complete the circuit to power the signal, and the lights will flash as they do on the current highway flasher.

If you want to use the (less reliable) 153C contactor instead of the insulated track section, the black wire would go to contactor terminal 3, and another wire would go from contactor terminal 2 to an outside rail or transformer common terminal.

[jwilharm]

Thanks Rob.  Is there a good place online to buy a part like a 154C?  My local train hobby store doesn't have any. 

[ADCX Rob]

Thanks Rob.  Is there a good place online to buy a part like a 154C?  My local train hobby store doesn't have any. 

154C-1R is a reproduction piece for $12.50 from Train Tender Parts.

You may be able to find the contactor, or an entire signal, for less, HERE

Rob