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Still making slow progress on my first layout.  I plan on isolating several sidings as parking areas or dedicated to accessories.  I watched the following Lionel video:  https://youtu.be/6dBBGG0m4Rw  for some hints.  He is recommending the use of SPDT switches to control the sidings, I had assumed that a SPST would be used.  I don't see the advantage of the double throw in the manner he is using it.

I see that you could attach the hot lead to the middle post and then control two sidings (one at a time) with a double throw but that isn't how he has it wired. Can anyone shine a little light on my darkness please

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All i can think of is that perhaps the SPDT type is more common, or less expensive?  For turning on and off sidings in the manner used in the video, SPST will work just fine.  With the SPDT you could wire in a red and green light if you wanted to, to show which sidings are powered.  

Another option I like, for conventional control, is to use a rotary switch for each siding, letting you choose which of several transformer controls you's like to use to power the track.  This method may benefit from an additional on/off switch as well.  

 

OK, I watched the video. Mike is a pretty smart guy, but he kind of messed up this discussion with the use of the SPDT. Totally unnecessary in the scenario he described.

 

The purpose of an SPDT would be to select between two power sources for that track. The center leg would go to the center rail of the track, and the other two contacts would would connect to the different supplies.

 

If that is not your intention, an SPST would be fine.

SPST switches are probably the same price as SPDT switches. Often switches are purchased for multiple applications with some of the contacts unused.  Perhaps in the video that is what the fellow had in his parts drawer. You could use the extra contact to light up an indicator light to show the block is not powered. You may also want to switch a passing siding where one or the other is powered but not both.

 

Dale H

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