Lionel Automatic Switch Controller for 027 Switches

For a single turnout, you have two basic options:

• one single pole double throw neutral return momentary switch
• two (one for each throw direction) single pole single throw momentary push switch

The original 1121c & 1122c controllers are two SPDT center off momentary switches (on)-off-(on) contained in one housing.

@coach joe posted:

What would be the best way to describe the 3 wire, 027 turnout controllers, SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT, neutral return, momentary contact?  I've got several turnouts with no controllers and would like to know what type of switch I could use in lieu of the controller?

Joe;

A non-techno-peasant will have to chime in on the technical aspects of this, but I have a box full of Fastrack switch controllers that I don’t use (all but 4 of my 20 switches are command control). The one issue is that they have 4 wires, not 3. If someone knows that they will work, I’d gladly send you a few.

Thank you for the offer Paul.  If anyone can let us techno peasants know if they will work I'll take you up on it.  Otherwise I'll have to find some;

• one single pole double throw neutral return momentary switch

As shown in the Lionel breakdowns, the FasTrack switches have extra circuitry for switch position illumination and uses a 4 conductor wire. As such, I don't immediately think they would be a good option for the 3 conductor tubular switches.

As for finding suitable switches, DigiKey and other similar electronic components providers have a great selection to choose from.

Just as an example, i filtered for the appropriate switches:

https://www.digikey.com/short/hf54qttb

Panel Mount, SPDT, Mom-Off-Mom, 24+VDC, 24+VAC, 5+Amp

Just about any one of those will work just fine for you.