I found Fowler's Protecting a Lift Gate Automatically Article in the December 2023 issue of MR very interesting. I would like to replicate this approach. I am wondering if Mr. Fowler or someone more knowledgeable about electronics can provide a list of the components and where they can be ordered. For example, I have no clue where to order a "12V DC, 8-pin ice cube relay with double-pole, double-throw pins installed in a relay socket." Would this be what to order:
https://www.amazon.com/Electromagnetic-Socket-Mechanical-Indicator-LY2N-J/dp/B07T12WLMT/ref=asc_df_B07T12WLMT/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366352800385&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14669444412381541582&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017216&hvtargid=pla-784762124809&ref=&adgrpid=71490159330&th=1
I have dead zones that kill the track when I lift out the bridge, but I live in fear of a locomotive with a keep alive going over the edge or stupidly backing up a train to have the freight cars take a plunge. Mr. Fowler's approach is just what I have been looking for, something that works automatically when I left out the bridge. Having a pin pop up automatically in the middle of the track is ideal.
Hi John-
By they way you move I'm guessing you've already solved this, but I'll chime in anyway. The relay in your link matches your quoted description perfectly. I do not have the article you are refering to but I'm assuming maybe it's a pin actuated by a tortoise, with a polarity reversing circuit thru the relay contacts, and that the relay coil is held in via either a pushbutton held in by the liftout, or via wiring plugged in with the liftout? Either way that relay would work fine.
How goes the ballast?
-Tom
Edit- Duh! December 2023 MR. I just hadn't got that far yet!
The relay you found is exactly what you need.
Thank you Sparky Rail for confirming it is the right part to order.
> How goes the ballast?
Tom, I neglected to answer this question when you asked it a few months ago. I should be done with the ballasting in one or two days. The mainline and mainline sidings should be done today.
My wife and I have joked that we should do a golden spike ceremony when the ballasting is finished. Completing the track work to me is easy compared to ballasting.