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Hello,  I'm converting an older AtlasO GP9 TMCC/TAS engine to Bluenami + battery.  This GP chassis has 4 opening for slide switches for various functionality that are no longer needed: smoke on/off, prog/run, etc...  I would like to mount a switch in those openings.

Q: will the slide switches used in for the original functionality work for a power switch? Can they handle the load/current?  I would like a 6AMP load capacity for safety, but 4A would probably suffice.  But I'm afraid those original slide switches are probably .5A or so.  I've looked on digikey and failed to find a 6A slide switch with the same form factor.  I see some but with a bigger footprint and they wouldn't just pop into the existing openings in the chassis.

What do others use for deadrail O gauge diesel projects?  I know there are plenty of toggle or rocker switches that will handle the load, but installing them would require cutting and I'm trying to avoid that. 

Thanks in advance!


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I converted some of my cabooses to battery power. Basically just to light the marker lamps. I use a Polulu Power switch to turn them on and off. I use the mini that’s rated at 4 amps. They have one that’s rated 8. It’s basically a latching relay. Input and output voltage. I believe the A and B connection go to a magnetic reed switch. Rather than use a toggle.  A small rare earth magnet is waved over the roof to turn them off and on. I actually got the idea on the Forum. Just secure the magnetic reed switch to the inside of the shell. No fumbling whatsoever accessing switches.

9E42F5BF-E56A-41AB-AF1A-8A6DEAFC9436

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Last edited by Dave_C

Stevs I just finished putting in a battery on a lionchief NW2  this was the sixth diesel that i have done. On some I used existing cut outs on the  frame and others I cut out a place on shell. I use the 3 way off on toggle switches. I try to camouflage buy using existing areas that allow me to . Access to charger ports and of on switches can be tricky if you do not want to have to remove the shell to access.

@Dave_C posted:

I converted some of my cabooses to battery power. Basically just to light the marker lamps. I use a Polulu Power switch to turn them on and off. I use the mini that’s rated at 4 amps. They have one that’s rated 8. It’s basically a latching relay. Input and output voltage. I believe the A and B connection go to a magnetic reed switch. Rather than use a toggle.  A small rare earth magnet is waved over the roof to turn them off and on. I actually got the idea on the Forum. Just secure the magnetic reed switch to the inside of the shell. No fumbling whatsoever accessing switches.

9E42F5BF-E56A-41AB-AF1A-8A6DEAFC9436

Nifty idea!

Stevs I just finished putting in a battery on a lionchief NW2  this was the sixth diesel that i have done. On some I used existing cut outs on the  frame and others I cut out a place on shell. I use the 3 way off on toggle switches. I try to camouflage buy using existing areas that allow me to . Access to charger ports and of on switches can be tricky if you do not want to have to remove the shell to access.

Yea I definitely don't want to remove the shell.

I remove the shell. It just snaps on. It takes probably 5 minutes to swap out. It’s only lighting 2 small bulbs and the lights are only lit when it’s in service. I used a 9v. Should last a long time. I used Archbar trucks which were correct for the prototype. Adding a roller was impossible and I decided to go the battery route.

Last edited by Dave_C

Steve here is the last 3 diesels I did . I am new to this deadrail/ Battery conversions and there are experts that can do a much better job than I. I wanted to show you pictures of what I did and I hope that will give you an idea how you want to proceed.  1st picture is a lionchief NW -2 switcher battery is a MTO #45 THAT FIT INSIDE THE CAB.  the 3 position toggle switch is located in front of the horn . The charger port is located where the wheel is up front top. [ I don't know what they call it ) I can remove the wheel to charge. I use RailPro system the board is inside shell mounted on the frame  The other 2 are the same GP38-2 DIESELS.  battery's in both are HJE 14.8 V . the battery's are in the top of the shell . Railpro mounted on frame . Charger port located top of cab I intend to put a air conditioner to cover the ports. 3 position toggle switch is located on  the fuel tank toggle is in between the tank and trucks. Hope this helps20231213_16444120231213_16435520231213_16422520231213_164200

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I like your approach Bill for an operations based layout. Affordable, available 3 rail engines on 2 rail track. Without having to go through converting from 3 rail to 2 by using batteries. The fact that there’s still a handheld remote available for operating and your not tied to a phone.  The ability to have tighter curves. Kadee’s and ground throws for turnouts. Well Done.

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