Skip to main content

I am in the process of rewiring a number of my Lionel Fast Track Switch's. I am making the jump from O36 to, o72. The cable between the controller and the switch is too short for the size of my layout.  

Any recommendations on what wire to replace it with? I was looking at the 22 gauge alarm wire from amazon. But figured it would not hurt to ask. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...XIBA125BM2&psc=1

Follow up question. Should I wire the switch into power as well? What is the advantage of that?

Will that just power the switch motor  or will it function as an additional power supply for the adjacent track?

I am using a MTH DCS control system with a MTH transformer.

As always thank you in advance!

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I would suggest 4 conductor telephone wire to use to lengthen the wire between FT switch and controller. I leave both ends connected so you don't have to fiddle with getting the wires back inside (especially on the controller end) and cut the wire near the middle and then cut the new wire to the appropriate length and splice on both ends using "jelly bean" connectors. You could also use 4 post telephone connectors to make the splice connections. There are other ways to do it as well, but this seems to work best for me and the "jelly bean" connectors have gel inside which prevents corrosion. Once all the connections are made, I wrap the connections with electrical tape for a neater install.  

Something like this, but you may not need as much - https://www.amazon.com/Phone-C...593008307&sr=8-3

If you're not running conventional, I've never thought there was much advantage to using auxillary power versus track power for FT switches, but that's just my $ .02.

I didn’t cut the controller wire, I just wired the controllers to Euro connector strips and then used 4 conductor stranded not solid 22ga wire from there to the switch. If I were doing it again, I’d use 6 conductor wire and run the power as well. I added some switch power later to some switches that I wanted powered later, but it would have easier to do it all the first time.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×