Lionel O Gauge Operating Track Question

[Dobson]

I am building a layout for my 4 year old with a number of switches that are mounted along the layout.  For the operating sections of track I wanted to replace the Lionel controller (uncouple, unload) with other switches.  Wll the spdt push buttons from radio shack work as replacements?  Or what alternative should I use.  I have a number of these pushbuttons along the layout as well as lighted switched and I want it to look consistent.

I have already wired the spdt push buttons for to operate the turnouts and it would be great if i could use the same for the operating track to make it look consistent.

[Dave-in-Oxford]

Well, sort-of. As you may know, the Lionel controller is a 'pile-up' switch, so different rails (and / or the magnet) are energised depending on which button (uncouple / unload) you press. The wiring for the 6019 operating track, starting with the left-hand wire through the grommet, is as follows: 1) Earth/ground, 2) nearside 4th (inner) rail, through coil (magnet) to earth/ground, 3) far side 4th rail, 4) power (track or transformer). So, connecting 1+2 and separately 3+4 is the 'unload' function and 2+3+4 together do the uncouple' function.

You may also know that the older coil couplers operate through the 4th rail(s) while the newer (~1948 on) magnetic couplers are activated by the magnet (coil). If you've got early postwar operating cars with coil couplers, you'll be disappointed when they also uncouple when you press 'unload', but thankfully not the other way round.

You can see a diagram of the 6019(O27) and the UCS (O) in the Greenberg book "Repair and Operating Manual for Lionel Trains" (about $25). Tried the CDs, didn't like them. Sounds like you'll need two spdt switches for each operating track, or some weird combination of switches. When they are wired correctly and working, the Lionel controllers work a treat, but I guess your alternative is a matter of taste & asthetics. Best of luck,

Dave

[servoguy]

A SPDT switch is not going to work.  You will need a 3PST switch for the uncouple function, and a pair of STDP switches for the unload function.  Check with the circuit diagram for the operating track section to  make sure this is right.  Also, if you operate both buttons on a controller, you will short the transformer.

Bruce Baker

[steve24944]

You can make a controller by using 3 cheap plastic doorbell buttons. The terminal connections refer to the terminals on the UCS track - the numbers are molded into the plastic above the screws connections.  4 wire telephone wire works well for this.

Run a wire from the #1 terminal to one connection on doorbell button No.1

Run a wire from the #2 terminal to the other connection on doorbell button No.1

Run a wire from the #3 terminal to one connection on doorbell button No.2

Run a wire from the #4 terminal to the other connection on doorbell button No.2

When both doorbell buttons are pushed at the same time the control rails will power, activating the coil couplers or the door on the horse car.

Run a wire from the #2 terminal to one connection on doorbell button No.3

Run a wire from the #3 terminal to the other connection on doorbell button No.3

When doorbell button No.3 is pressed the uncouple magnet will energize.

This uses track power and will not work unless track power is applied.  If you want to use power from your accessory power on your transformer  and not rely on track power, then do not hook the #3 wire to the #3 terminal on the USC track, instead run that wire to your accessory power on your transformer.  Adjust the voltage to get the best action, about 12-14 volts.

This set up works but does not look as cool as those black Lionel controllers with the red buttons.

Steve

[lionelsoni]

Here's a switch that I think will do the job and also avoid any conflict between the two functions:  http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062530

Switch terminals are letters, UCS terminals are numbers:

1  2  3
|  |  |
A  B  C
D  E  F
|  |  |
3  4  3

As in Steve's post, replace terminal 3 by an accessory supply if you want.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Another good resource for postwar Lionel is Olsen's Library: http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd1.htm