Realtrax automatic switching like Lionel?

[hielsie]

My Lionel O-31 switches are set up so that when one throws it changes the opposite switch. This automatically routes a train from an outside loop to an inside through siding and then back to the outside again and repeats. You connect the 2 outside terminals of one switch to the same terminals on the other. Lionel shows how to do this in their instructions.

Can this be done with Realtrax O-31 switches - how?

Also does the Realtrax switch have the capability of a fixed voltage plug attachment rather than just rail power? 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I'd start by reading the MTH RealTrax O31 Switch Manual.  Had you done that, you'd see clearly that it has a separate power option.  They also mention controlling multiple switches from a single control.

[hielsie]

Thanx.

I spent 30 minutes on the MTH site tossing queries at it to find the instructions with no luck, so tried here. Got it and printed it.

[lionelsoni]

The manual doesn't actually answer the question.  It describes using one controller to operate multiple turnouts; but not the practice of using one turnout to operate another.  From the similarity of the operational modes described to traditional Lionel turnouts', my guess is  that what you want to do will work.  But, without an explicit assurance or some insight into the innards of the MTH turnouts, there is no way to be sure, short of experiment.

[dougdagrump]

Now if memory serves me correctly the earlier Railtrax turnouts were pretty reliable but the manufacturer had some bad production issues in later production runs. However I would assume that those issues were resolved between MTH and their supplier.

[hielsie]

Got both the old and new switches. I'll give it a try and report back, but it won't be for several weeks.