Command Switches? and Power Question.

barhoram,

    IMO the best way to connect the Legacy base to FasTrack is by using 1/2 the Lionel FasTrack wire that comes with the track, connecting to one of the outside rails with the electrical coupling provided, or make your own exactly like Lionel's, if you need to extend the wire simply use a wire nut and an extra length of wire.   Simply turn the track over and install the wire on the outside rail post, I just did this as I built my multi level Christmas layout.  Further if I were you I would plan my layout with at least 048 CC switches not 036, the 048 and bigger switches allow for easier train operation.  Got to say I am totally impressed with Lionel's FT Command Control low voltage switches, which run incredibly well on track power, the elimination of all switch wiring is fantastic technology.  The Cab2 runs the switches very smoothly!

In reality there is no need for a special lock on track when using FT, almost every track has the ability to become a lock on track, with the posts provided under each track.

PCRR/Dave

Here's some folks that have those switches.

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com...ck-p/lio-6-16824.htm

http://www.trainworld.com/manu...rol-lh-switch-16824/

Bar,

   The train world price Guns just posted for ya, of $79.99 is a good price for 036 FT CC switches.  Still suggest you go with at least 048 however.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks! looks to be the only place with stock. 

Question on the O48 switches....if the rest of the layout is using 036, would the O48s for switches (need 4 of them) really make that much of a difference?

Bar,

   IMO it is easier for the engines and rolling stock to run thru the larger switches, this has nothing to due with the rest of your track being 036, the wider the switch diameter the easier it is for the trains to pass thru the switches, my 072's, even the Y's have no problems what so ever the tighter you get the more problems occur. The 048 switches are the min that I use, in fact most of my switches are 060 and above.  In reality I do not own any of the 036 FT CC Switches any more.

PCRR/Dave

Item #2:

No need for the lock-on.

You can connect the PH 180 directly to the track by making your own cable.

The receptacle is a standard Molex connector part# 03-09-1032 and the pins are

02-09-2118. then you can make your own wires to connect to the track. You may be able to find those Molex connectors and pins elsewhere.

You can watch the Lionel TPC Instructional Video and there Mike Reagan explains which wire is hot and which is common. Start at 6:20.

The top post in the triangle\pointed area is not used.

Gentlemen,

    Remember one thing however the short 1/2 and 1/4 FT track pieces have no power connectors under side, so plan accordingly when setting up drops.

PCRR/Dave

Switches are a big investment.  If there is a chance that your layout will grow in the future such that you require larger radii to run bigger locomotives, you should consider buying wider switches now (and not kick yourself later!)

Dale,

   Great point and most people do expand sooner or later, especially once they purchase one of those big beautiful engines!

PCRR/Dave

I started out with O27, now I'm up to O72 if that gives any indication.

barhoram

I can't help but guess after you said you and your two boys that there is a strong possibility you will expand.

I wasted a lot of money with 0-36 switches mostly due to what's already been stated here.

I don't have a large lay out but now of the 14 15 switches I have now, 2 are 060 and the rest 0-72. Just feed back for you.

But most of all you and the boys have fun.

Larry

Bar,

   I definitely agree with Larry & Guns, I do not own any switches under 048 and the 048's are just for sidings, 060 and above on the main line, most are 072 including the Y's, all are now Command Control FT.

PCRR/Dave