027 switches

[ADCX Rob]

 From the Lionel website:

Unlike their bigger brother, the 022 type "O" gauge switch, the 027 switch is designed to receive its power from variable track voltage and works best between 10 to 14 volts. It does not have a "fixed voltage" tap... that is unless you perform the following, very simple, modification.

First, you will need to remove the switch housing that covers the coils. To remove this housing take out the single screw that's holding it in place. The double coils are now exposed. You will see three insulated wires going to the two coils; one wire on each end and one wire in the middle between the two coils. This middle wire is the one that we will be changing. This middle-insulated wire is actually covering two copper wires within one piece of insulation. Gently pull on the insulation covering these middle wires to give yourself some exposed wire to cut.

Now, clip the insulation and wires about ½ inch from the coils. Wrap the clipped wire ends coming from the bottom of the switch with electrical tape. Next, using a modeling knife carefully scrape any clear varnish insulation that may be on the ends of the wires coming from the coil. Removing any varnish will allow for a better connection. Once you have removed the varnish, twist the two wires together. These wires will now need to be soldered to a small length of "jumper" wire, approximately 2 to 4 inches long. This small length of wire should be one or two strands thick. After you have soldered the wires together, use another piece of electrical tape to insulate your newly formed connection. You are now ready to replace the switch cover.

Before you replace the switch cover, cut a small notch at the base of the cover using a modeling knife or Dremel tool. This will allow the wire to come through the cover without getting pinched. Alternately, you may also route the wire through the holes in the top of the cover that are used to vent heat generated by the coils. Assemble the cover to the switch. Your modification is now complete and ready to use with a fixed voltage supply.   Note that the 027 switches will no longer function as before using variable track power.

At this point you can now attach the jumper wire to a fixed voltage power source. If you are currently using a PowerHouse or other "brick" type transformer for track power, you will need a separate 10-16 volt power supply for operating your switches. You will need to attach a ground wire from this separate power source to the outside rail of your track(Lockon #2) or attach this wire to the "U" post on the PowerMaster/brick. Your switches can now be operated on fixed voltage and can also be used with SC-1 or SC-2 controllers if desired... with or without the OEM controllers.

Rob

[mkohn]

I modified some 027 switches for direct voltage, but when I connect them in my layout they are receiving voltage from the track and from the direct voltage--and are not working correctly. Does anyone know the correct connections for 027 direct voltage in a layout? Thanks.