Adding a Signal to an Atlas Switch

@Blackjack4935 posted:

I recently picked up a lionel dwarf signal which I planned on using to show the position of one of my Atlas switches. The problem is that I can only wire it up so that either light stays only when I press the button to activate the switch, then turns off as soon as I release it. I was wondering if anyone knows of a relay or some other device I can use to keep one light on while the switch is in one position, and the other light on when the switch is in the opposite position. I'm not very good with electronics, so I apologize if this is a dumb question.

Not a dumb question at all!  I had a similar issue last year.  I made a small unit that plugs into the bottom of the switch crossbar that gives a signal when it's open and closed (and no signal when it's intermediate).  Unfortunately it's not ready for prime time. Maybe someone else has come up with a simple solution.  A

What you want is called a latching relay.  Here is an example,

http://www.azatrax.com/latching-relay.html

Atlas makes a latching relay, #0200 Snap relay. Looks similar to and works with their switch machines for switch position indication signals.

Atlas at one time had their own dwarf lights.   Via PC board, part of the kit, could be added to Atlas switches.

Thank you all for your replies! I had a feeling that a latching relay would solve my problem. The Atlas Snap Relay looks like the best option for my setup, so I'll give that a try.

So I've encountered a slight issue. I hooked up the snap relay to my switch machine last night just to see if it would activate correctly. It worked as it should, but I noticed that the switch moved a lot more slowly. While I know this is technically more realistic, I'm concerned that the switch could get stuck between the two positions because of this. Even worse, the relay got extremely hot and started melting. I just tried it again a few minutes ago to find that it still works, but I've obviously done something wrong if it's overheating this quickly. I wired the snap relay in parallel with the switch machine just because it seemed easier, but I'm wondering if I should wire it in series instead. Other than that, I can't tell where I went wrong.