022 Switch Booster Plug Replacement

[Anonymous]

Anyone ever use a generic "Radio Shack" power plug in place of an 022 switch booster plug? Just the connector part, not the wall-wart transformer.

Chris L. in NJ
Where we are celebrating the restoration of passenger service on the old Camden and Amboy! Well, part of the line from Bordentown to Camden, anyhoo. 10,000 riders on the River Line in two days, and counting.

[Big_Boy_4005]

The "fixed voltage plug" serves two functions at the same time. First it provides a terminal that you can connect the actual voltage to and plugs onto the pin under the motor housing. But second, it forms an insulated shield, and pushes a contacting finger away from the pin, thus disconnecting the motor from track power. This is why the lionel plug is tapered.

I'm not sure what Radio Shack part you are talking about, but if it performs those two functions, it should work. You may need to take the motor housing off to make sure that you have it in the proper position.

[MartyE]

There are after market replacements as well available through parts dealers.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, all.

Looks like a standard coaxial power plug works great! (It's a larger version of what goes into a cell phone.) Just connect a wire to the center conductor. The outer conductor will be carrying track power - you can just leave it alone. I'll post the proper size and RS part number when I can sort that out.

Regards,
Chris L.