Does anyone still use lock-ons with tubular track?

[Birds]

I was wondering if there are folks that still use, and prefer, lock-ons with their tubular tack?

With my temporary layouts I have used both lock-ons and direct connections by inserting spades into the slot on the bottom of the rails.  I've never had a problem with voltages when using lock-ons.  I find them to be quick, easy, and very effective.

I am at the point of creating blocks for my layout and decided that I will go with lock-ons for the permanent connections for each block (rather than use soldered connections or a spade into the slot in the center rail).  To me they help enhance the classic "toy train" look.

Chris 

[Jumijo]

I do. We set up floor layouts with tubular track and I find that a lighted lockon is a good idea when a CW-80 transformer is used. It helps create a load, which makes the e-units on some locos work better.

Jim 

[laz 57]

I do on the layout ,I have em every 4 feet, no problems.

laz57

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I use both lock ons and soldered connections.  The lock ons only disavantage I can tell is appearance.  They can be troublesome to disguise.

Jim 

[Roger Bielen]

We still sell a number of them every week to folks making/expanding O-gauge tubular layouts.  The majority of sales though are Fastrak.

[dochooter]

I use a combination.  On each block, I have one lighted mth lock on as I like the look and I like to confirm that the power is on.  I also soldier additional wires.

[cnw1995]

That's all I use - one to each of the five large loops. They're bullet-proof.

[Frank53]

Ah - a tubular track thread to start the week - it's all good.

I've abandonded the lock-ons in favor of soldering the connections directly to the rail. I'm trying to have everything blend in and they stand out too much for what I am doing.

On my previous temporary layout, lock ons were everywhere.  

[Dave Farquhar]

I'm using lockons right now but I intend to replace them with spade connectors once I find a cure for laziness. I bought a big package of them about a year ago (along with a bunch of wire) and I think they're still sitting in the same place as they were when I brought them home.

[Blueberryhill RR]

I use lockons for my tubular track.

[Dr. John]

I continue to use lock-ons for my temporary and Christmas layouts with no problems. I do tend to replace Marx lockons with Lionels. The Lionels seem to hold better.

[Lenny the Lion]

I've been using a lighted one for years, they are quick and easy and I like the green light.

[lionelsoni]

I solder 14 AWG to the rail web and flange, on the side of the rail away from the viewer.  A number of folks have said that they insert spade lugs into the rail.  Does anyone use male fastons instead?

[perry1060]

Chris,

I've got them everywhere, but they are not all as easy to spot as in this photo. I'm still planning on covering these two with shrubs.

 

[Jumijo]

I think they are pretty unobtrusive. Perry's blend right in with his scenery.

Jim 

[steinmike]

I use them as well, easy to install and also easy if you need to swap out a track section.  If you have enough scenery trackside, they just seem to blend in after a while.  You can always paint the lockon in earth-colored paints or to match your ballast.

[Anonymous]

I do. A couple of lichen bushes hides all the visual sins.

[Anonymous]

Chris,

I've got them everywhere, but there not all as easy to spot as in this photo. I'm still planning on covering these two with shrubs.

 

Took me a couple minutes to find the second one!  Every time I see your layout I'm less and less impressed...

Brent

[DCmontana]

My layout is portable, 3, 4X5 sections, and the lockons work very well!

[ADCX Rob]

I find I don't really need them.

Each remote switch has a built-in "lockon"(K-Line, 022, 711 types, maybe more) and I make my track power connections to the switches.  Solves voltage drop problems across switches by using them as feeds.

5 terminals on K-Line's(Common, Through, Out, Track, Fixed).

5 terminals on Lionel too... the 022/711 types can be used with a coaxial power plug instead of the Lionel "fixed plugs" - center(tip) is fixed switch power, outside(ring) is variable track power.  Through, Common, Out are on the motor housing.

Rob

[Pennvalley]

I have two temporary loops, an 8x12 & an inner loop until the track plan is finaliized. I have one lock-on on each loop & that's with tmcc also.

[traindaddy1]

I use them. QUESTION: Aside from the 'light' feature, are there any other advantages by using the lighted lock-ons?  As always, thanks.

[Birds]

So lock-ons are alive and well! 

Thanks for posting all the ideas about how to blend them in with the layout.

Chris 

[cnw1995]

traindaddy, I just like the aesthetic effect - the green lights look nice. They also give me a sense what loops are powered - I have a line-up of transformers...

[Jumijo]

I use them. QUESTION: Aside from the 'light' feature, are there any other advantages by using the lighted lock-ons?  As always, thanks.

 

Some smaller locomotives need a load on the transformer in order for the e-unit to work correctly. The light provides that needed load. 

[lionelsoni]

With a real transformer, any locomotive's e-unit should cycle when the circuit is interrupted.  The problems come with newer "transformers", particularly the CW80, which leaks a little current even when the control is in the "off" position.

[traindaddy1]

I use them. QUESTION: Aside from the 'light' feature, are there any other advantages by using the lighted lock-ons?  As always, thanks.

 

Some smaller locomotives need a load on the transformer in order for the e-unit to work correctly. The light provides that needed load. 

JAABAT et al: PLEASE bear with me.  I use one regular lock-on for each loop. Each loop operates fine. I understand the 'aesthetics' and 'power on/off indicator' features of the lighted lock-on.  A little confused after reading the posts concerning "loads".  Are these "loads" something that this "older" guy should be concerned about or are they something that goes in line with bigger and better layouts?  (I like the old KISS -keep it simple sonny) Thanks again.

[lionelsoni]

Layout size doesn't matter.  If your trains reverse okay, you don't need anything.

[bfskinner]

Traindaddy1,

Your age doesn't have anything to do with it either. I'm surprised Bob missed that.

The need for an electrical "sump" to drain off a little excess current is one of the "features" of the early CW-80 transformers. Without it, some locomotives won't shift directions. Some folks, regardless of age, found it annoying. Rumor has it that the new CW-80's have fixed it, but don't take my word for it because I haven't tried one yet. A lighted lockon is just one of the many things you can use to bleed off the tiny leakage. It is called a "workaround."

Another thing that lockons can do, lighted or otherwise, is provide a handy pick-up point if you want to run accessories off track power. If someone else pointed this out I missed it. Sorry.

[3railguy]

I like Lockons because when they come loose, they arc creating a pleasant electrical aroma