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How did Lionel do it? (automatic derail prevention)

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  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 400 posts
How did Lionel do it? (automatic derail prevention)
Posted by Mister Mikado on Thursday, December 9, 2021 3:26 PM

Hi guys, ever since I received my first pair of Lionel 027 electric switches at Christmas 1956, age 8, I always wondered how the switch detected a loco coming in on the opposing leg of the switch and automatically shunting the track over for it.  I discovered this by accident while running my train and marvelled at it.  Can someone explain this process electrically?  Thank you, Rob.

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Hopewell, NY
  • 3,230 posts
Posted by ADCX Rob on Thursday, December 9, 2021 4:51 PM

This pretty much says it all...

Rob

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 400 posts
Posted by Mister Mikado on Thursday, December 9, 2021 6:02 PM

Thank you Rob!  Lifetime mystery solved.  Many engineering geniuses worked for Lionel.  The whistle-horn isolated circuit was another achievement.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Austin, TX
  • 10,096 posts
Posted by lionelsoni on Friday, December 10, 2021 8:52 AM

This "control rail" concept can be used to operate various accessories in place of the "contactor" that Lionel sold.  The control rail, unlike the contactor, requires no mechanical adjustment. 

Bob Nelson

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