NO 450 Signal Bridge

[Anonymous]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

I could sure use some help with the No 450 Signal bridge and proper wiring. I would like to install withour using the 153C connector.

I hope you can help.

Thanks

[brianel027]

Ray, this one gets a little complicated to explain because there are quite a few variables: the type of transformer you have, whether you're running a single or double tracks underneath the #450, and how you want the colored lights to change. You're going to need some insulated track sections to operate without the 153 contactor or an infared activation device. You might try calling your local public library and see if they have the Greenberg's Repair Manual for Lionel Trains (my library does). Or try calling Lionel, or emailing them at [e-mail] and see if they will kindly send you the operating instructions for the number #450 Signal Bridge. If you want to post some more specifics on how you are using the #450 and what tranformer you have, I could (or someone) try to talk you through it.
brianel

[Big_Boy_4005]

The only true substitute for the 153 contactor is a relay. The contactor acts like an SPDT switch, changing green to red. By using insulated track sections to activate the relay, the proper effect can be achieved. No amount of insulated track alone can turn green off and red on. That method works for the 151 semephore, but not for any of the two light type of signal.

[lionelsoni]

You can do it without a contactor nor a relay: Arrange the red and green lights to be in series, by connecting the red lamp's wire to the fixed accessory voltage and the green lamp's wire to common (the outside rails). Then shunt the red light with as many extra lamps between the accessory voltage and the signal's common connection as it takes to dim it out and leave only the green lit. Then connect the signal's common to the insulated rail. The wheels on the rail will short out the green and light up the red, along with the extra lamps, which you therefore will want to locate out of sight somewhere.

Do not use a simple resistor in place of the extra lamps. It can be done, but the current drawn when the red lights up will be much greater than if you use incandescent lamps. You may be able to substitute a single automobile lamp of a suitable wattage for this purpose if your accessory voltage is not too much higher than 12 volts.