022’s and 153 block signals

[lionelsoni]

Rob is of course correct about the U terminal of the KW.

I plead medical distraction:  I was about to see my ophthalmologist this morning about what I was hoping wasn't a recurrance of a detached retina.  It turned out that all was well (except for the KW).

[ADCX Rob]

lionelsoni

Some Lionel transformers (KW, for example) should have U connected to the center rail...

This might be a typo, but the KW, like all multi-train transformers of this era, uses "U" to the outside rails, the "U" posts are common on these models.

Single train transformers of this era use "U" to the center rail, and something other than "U", usually "A" or, optionally "B", for the outside running rails.

[lionelsoni]

Yes.

[stuartmit]

But even without a conventional installation of 022 controllers , as shown in Lionel material, and use of 2 push buttons,  the block signal will change which bulb is illuminated if the connection to the switch terminals is as shown in Lionel literature--is that correct?

[lionelsoni]

If by, "the U terminal", you mean the transformer terminal that is connected to the outside rails generally, the answer is yes.

Some Lionel transformers (KW, for example) should have U connected to the center rail and some (ZW for example) to the outside rails.

[stuartmit]

You can connect a block signal to a conventionally wired 022 switch to indicate the position of the switch in the same way the controller does, and I vaguely understand the electric pathway which allows this to work.  But if you change to using a pair of momentary push buttons to close the circuit to throw the switch to either position and eliminate the wire from the center terminal of the 022 to the push buttons, substituting a direct connection to the U terminal of the transformer, will the block signal still indicate if wired to O22 terminals as shown by Lionel operation manual? I think the answer is yes, but not 100 pct sure.

I want to hook 153 to a switch which I cannot see but need a position indicator for. however I cannot accommodate the 022 controllers.