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I'm converting over to Fastrack and I'm curious about something concerning switches.  On the old O Gauge 022 switches, you could use the anti-derailment feature to double as a switch to activate things like the Gateman or Switch Tower.  In all of the literature I've read about Fastrack switches, I see absolutely no mention of this feature.  So...I'm wondering if you can't replicate the switching action that was available on the O22 switches.  Anybody know anything about this?  I'll be  really disappointed if that feature is not available, since these Fastrack switches ain't cheap!  Thanks all.

 

Original Post

It assuredly isn't available as a feature, as in sanctioned by Lionel. But because the action is the same (a wheelset contacting an outside [grounding] rail while simultaneously contacting a non-derail rail segment, thus grounding it) you could certainly perform a hack by removing the bottom cover and soldering new wires onto the non-derail rail lugs and bringing those wires out where the terminal bar is on the underside of the switch. The problem is there is (presumably delicate) electronics connected to those non-derail rails and you would have to take steps to protect them. A relay whose coil is fed V+ from a source different from and isolated from the V+ supplying the switch motor&electronics should do the trick. Because electrically isolated I believe any voltage spikes caused by the inductance of the relay coil would simply not be "seen" by the switch electronics. You should check my reasoning with someone whose electronics schooling and experience is less obscured by the mists of time than mine is though 

Lew

Last edited by geysergazer

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