Lionel 027 profile remote switches and TMCC

[Wes Whitmore]

I could use some Lionel 027 profile remote-switching knowledge transfer.  I looked around for past posts, but you guys probably have bookmarks saved somewhere that will help me. 

I wired up my first 042 switch last week, and I see what all of you are saying about having to have the track voltage up pretty high to get the solenoid to snap into place.  I'm just using my MTH 1000 controller now, and will for a little while.  I read somewhere that these switches are difficult to implement with DCS and TMCC layouts.  Why is this?  Do the TMCC not have a controlling output similar to the remote switch that came with the turnout?  I haven't had a chance to play with TMCC or DCS yet, so i can't really experiment to find out.

Also, I know that the turnout can be modified so the solinoid isn't getting it's power from the track.  i haven't tore into mine yet, but is there a site or post explaining how to do this correctly? 

Lastly, I'm trying to figure out why I have been reading some posts about converting AC to DC to control turnouts.  I know that you can supply DC simutatiously through the same AC supplied track, so maybe that is the reason.  Is there another reason?

Thanks guys!

Always learning,
Wes

[ChiefEagles]

You will have to convert them to aux power.  If not TMCC will not like the change in voltage.  Don't have the link right here and walking out the door for a trip.  I am sure some one will post it.  Very easy to do.  Did some on my floor layout before I dismantled it.

[phillyreading]

A while back in CTT mag there was an article on converting 027 style switches to a differant power source, I forget what issue.

A note about D.C. voltage; do not hook up D.C. to the track to control a switch as the whistle or horn will pick up the D.C. and work continuosly. Wire the switch motor separate, do not use a common wire thru the track either!

D.C. is supplied thru the track at the same time by the transformer by using the whistle or horn button.

Far as controlling a switch with DCS you need to wire the negative side to the AIU and the positive wire straight to the switch, control wires come off the AIU to the switch. For wiring a post war 022 switch you can take the wire from the center terminal from the switch housing and send it to the AIU and send wires back to the outside terminals of the switch housing.

Don't know about TMCC.

Another way to go is to use GarGraves or Ross Custom switches and wire them separately, Ross & GarGraves switches will match 027 in height and need only adapter pins to fit the track. This way you don't need to convert your switch power source.

Lee F.

[Wes Whitmore]

Thanks for clearing up everything but the actual conversion of the Lionel switch.  I'll find something on that later.

I only have a pair of liionel switches, so it's not too late to get a different brand, although I don't know if they make 027" diameter switches.  I will check them out.  The low profile is also a plus.  I guess cost is close to the same as well.

I'll convert mine, or get rid of it.

Thanks for the help!

 update-

Definatly some nice switches.  Comparable in price to normal Lionel 0.  I really like there two curved piece switches (054 and 072).  I have a spot for that one!

Wes

[lionelsoni]

Converting from center rail to accessory voltage is conceptually simple but can be difficult in practice.  You need to disconnect the common wires for the solenoids from the innards of the turnout, where they are connected to the center rail, and bring them out to connect to the accessory voltage.  Sometimes there is enough slack to do this without taking the switch completely apart; sometimes there isn't.  Disassembling an O27 switch can be tedious, involving removing several rivets, including the bottom of the frog.  I replace the rivets with screws and drill through and tap the frog for a flathead screw to replace the riveted end of the post under it.

The tie-in with DC operation is that Lionel's design wired the solenoids to the center rail to reduce (but not completely eliminate) the possibility that a train would sit on the anti-derailing control rail and burn the coil out.  By using the center rail, they improved the chance that turnout power would be off when the train was stopped.  Other turnouts, like the 022, have internal switches to disconnect the solenoids after the points have moved.

The main reason for DC is to allow use of a capacitor to throw the turnout.  The capacitor acts as a little battery supplying the voltage to the solenoid common, with its other terminal connected to the track common, that is, the outside rails.  A resistor charges the capacitor slowly (in a few seconds) but prevents the turnout from drawing a harmful current if the control rail is occupied.  I use 5000 microfarads and 100 ohms, 10 watts.  The current needed is so little that you can simply connect a diode (1N4001, for example) to charge the whole layout from an AC accessory supply.