6-12071 fastrack lighted terminal

I have the specific set you mention and it does not need a lighted terminal track.  It came with a standard terminal track (just like the other 10" straights but with a notch in the side for the wire.)

Just connect the wires to the lugs under the track (any piece of 10" Fastrack should have the terminals), and then to your transformer.

Ed

Because the Thomas set did not have a lamp in it anywhere, the bulb in the track improved the response to the CW transformer direction control.

No argument at all, but that is why the lighted section was included.

I don't doubt at all that your set didn't have it, as I don't doubt at all that Ernie's did have it.  I also have seen it both ways.

Interesting....

What intrigues me is that the part number 6-12071 doesn't show up anywhere.

Ed

I actually did not know it had a part number.

...I didn't know there ever was a fastrack lighted terminal...I'd love to see a pic of one just for the sake of seeing one...

My Thomas set has a lighted terminal fastrack piece.

Thanks for the pic.  Is there a part number anywhere on this piece?

No Part Number on the track.  I'll head up to the attic tomorrow and check the box with instructions to see if there is a master parts list.

Not what I had imagined it would be...almost expected a side section with a light assy on top- think Lionel lock on or MTH.

Thanks for the pick...it give me an idea for my side tracks I'm planning- drill press for the needed hole and an 18v bulb or LED{adding a bridge rectifier so it works either way} .

The lighted terminal is listed in the set parts list. The set used a 40w PowerMax transformer.

Lionel 6-31956.  6-12071 has a 14v 60ma bulb. Interesting, the lighted terminal is not in the manual. It must be a very early set.

Don't use that terminal with a CW-80 or 18-20v transformer.

Well... For some reason my manual is missing from the box.  But I took another pic from the underside.  Looks like a simple light.  Look at the purple wire.

The CW, PowerMax, and PowerMax Plus are all rated at 18 volts output.  The terminal track can be used with any of them.

Rob, yep, too early. I was thinking the amperage would fry it.

So, what do you think about why it's there? (OP's original question.) The wiring diagram of the engine shows a cap on the motor leads. A bulb to draw it down for the e-unit to cycle?

 Or any CW family transformer.

That idea with the bulb in the track just gave me a reason to run and buy some LED's for my new setup. I'm thinking maybe in the tunnels as I am building a 3 level system.

Oh Boy!! The electric juices are flowing

Thanks

Answering your origonal question, I'd have to say in the simplest form would be to indicate power to the track..maybe to assist newbies that , yup, power light is on, track shows power and no engine movement...probably in neutral. I't sjust a guess as Lionel and MTH have their own versions to show power is applied to the track...Rob's idea may hold weight as well except that some sets don't include that piece.

Thanks for that pic...me, I'd just add lil clips to the wires and plug into another set of taps on the track...as I recall there's two sets on most pieces.

Thank all of you gentlemen for your responses, and jogging my memory a bit.  I do believe ACDX Rob had the correct reason. Thanks for posting a pic of the track.  It does look like a kitbash does it not?  I have the part number because the track came in a separate box;  a regular terminal track box with a sticker on it.  It did not come with the set.  I believe there was a notice sent out and maybe through this forum.  I do not believe I had to pay for it. (fool if I did)  I believe it was something Lionel recognized after the first of the sets had been shipped. 

Again, thanks to you all.  I had to pass some reasoning to my granddaughter's dad, who is a toy train novice.

That sounds about right.