Fastrack uncoupler

[HopperSJ]

Hey folks, asking questions again.

I am planning my control panel right now and need to make sure I am providing enough availible space for future expansion. I am building a Fastrack layout and will be adding uncouplers when I save up the cash for them. (Right now I am trying to aquire the turnouts I need after just completing my benchwork.) My question is: What is the size of the switch mold that comes with a Fastrack uncoupling section. Looking at the manual online it looks to be a big plastic hulk with a little sliding switch in the middle. (This is the type of switch I have for my lionel drawbridge.) Ideally, I would have a small button installed on my control panel in the corresponding place on my layout diagram, but a big hunk of plastic will not fit there well. Should I just plan on replacing the stock switch with a redioshack button of choice (if possible) or am I mistaken on the stock switch that comes with the uncoupling unit???

Thanks[:)]

[bibeaud]

Lionel Trains Uncoupling Track , FasTrack 6-12020 , Includes Half Straight section Length 5" - this taking up the space of a 10" straight track.

The newer Lionel Trains Operating Track Section , is 10 Inch FasTrack 6-12054 (though it is depicted on web sites as 5 inch)

[HopperSJ]

bibeaud - thanks, but I actually knew that. What I need is the size of switch that comes with it. I mean the electronic button/switch that activates it. If I am going to mount 4 (or more) of them on my control panel I need to make sure my control panel is big enough to fit them along with all my other buttons, switches and controlers.

[Anonymous]

The "black box" with one button that comes with the FasTrack uncoupler is 2 7/8 x 2 x 1" thick. The 2 button box for the uncoupler/accessory activator FasTrack section is the standard Lionel size of 3 1/2 x 2 1/8 x 3/4" thick. You could use a simple push-button switch for the uncoupler-only track section, but the combo section is about the same price, and it will let you operate things like the milk car. For that one, stick with the button set-up it comes with. Joe

[HopperSJ]

Thanks joe0315.

Those are huge boxes!![:0] I know I have read compaints from people in the past that lionel made their switches and boxes too small, but that is really big, isn't it? Do they need that much room inside the box, or are they just responding to the complains about buttons being "too small"?

[Anonymous]

Have not heard these complaints. The buttons on the 2-button box are small for little kids...the single button is square and fairly large. I'm guessing the 2-button one needs the space...the single-button one, I'm sure does'nt need all that space. Joe

[HopperSJ]

So how complicated would it be to replace a simple stock uncoupling button with a smaller one from Radio Shack. It should be just a couple of soldered wires, right? Just a SPST switch (button)?

[Anonymous]

Just be sure that it only makes contact while you are pressing on it. I think the uncoupler can burn out if left on for more than a few seconds. Doorbell type buttons, like found at Home Depot, have wires already attached, so you do'nt even have to solder.

[BR60103]

The uncoupler track should work with a simple (but powerful) pushbutton.
If the operating track is backward compatible with the UCS or 6019 sections, the control bix wiring is complicated, and is more than just 2 pushbuttons -- it had to operate the automatic cars and the electric couplings, as well as the magnetic couplings.

[lmsjim]

I used Radio Shack Mini SPST 0.5-Amp Momentary Switch Catalog #: 275-1548 for $3.29 you get a pack of 4 or so. They work great for me. You can see how I mounted them on the link below.
http://www.clandavidsonusa.com/Lionel/Bethlehem_Steel/Bethehem_Steel_Control_Panel.htm

Jim