adding non-derailing feature to Lionel 1121 switches

[San Jose]

I would like to make my Lionel 1121 switches non-derailing.  The K-line Complete Service manual for Lionel trains suggest, on page 602, a technique shown in Figure 4 on that page.  This is how it is described: "A neater, but more laborious method is to completely isolate one of the outside rails on the track sections adjacent to the switch and connecting that rail permanently to the proper switch terminal."

I cannot seem to make this work.  I'm not sure I understand "completely isolate one of the outside rails".  In particular, I do not know if this means simply putting fiber pins on both ends of that rail which does not seem too "laborious." 

 

In any case, please elaborate on how this should be done.

 

Thank you.

 

Nino Yannoni

[ADCX Rob]

Here is the page you are referring to.

If you read the entire section before that paragraph, you will see what is needed - some kind of insulated trigger(the 154c contactors in this case) for each leg of the switch.

The "labor" in the paragraph you are reading refers to making your own insulated rail sections.

Simply remove an outside rail by bending the tabs on the track ties to release the rail. Now insert a piece of cardboard between the rail and the tie and bend the tabs back into place to hold the rails. If you own The Big Book Of Lionel there are more details in there, or the Lionel Train Book, (see pages 54 & 55) for creating an insulted control track.  The Plummer book has more info on pages 18 & 19 too.

Lionel & K-Line made these sections for sale, but they are very easy to make.

THEN put fiber pins on both ends of that insulated rail for your trigger section.  Without insulating it first, the power will flow though the metal ties rendering the fiber pins useless.

Here is another CTT thread that deals with the track issue.

Rob

 

[ADCX Rob]

San Jose

Hello Rob:

 

Worked perfectly.............when I followed your instructions carefully.

 

Thanks, Nino

Great!

Now you can use the same method to trigger accessories and signals anywhere on your layout without 145c or 153c contactors.

Rob

[San Jose]

Rob:

Thanks for the tip. 

Nino