I recently purchased an entire layout. It has 4 Fastrack switches on it. On my old layout using Lionel postwar 022 switches, the controllers return to the center position when you activate the switch. If I remember correctly, they are spring loaded. When I throw the Fastrack controller, the handle just kind of sits where it as moved to and doesn't return to the center position. Is the correct for these controllers?
Thanks in advance for any help.
LionelFlyer
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It is for mine, yes.
They do not spring back to center.
Yes mind don't self-centered.
It appears Lionel modeled actual switch levers as shown below. These did not spring return to center.
Thank you all for the responses. I prefer the way the 022 controllers work but as long as these aren't broken, I won't worry about them.
I never cottoned to those clunky Lionel switch controllers. I chose to replace them with 3-position switches (on-off-on) in my permanent layout, mounted in the fascia. The wiring is simple and the toggles spring-load to the center position with a sturdy feel.
Following up on this, can an 022 controller be used to replace the Fastrack controller? The 022 is 3 wire while the Fastrack is 4 wire. If this can be done, how do the wires align?
@lionelflyer posted:Following up on this, can an 022 controller be used to replace the Fastrack controller? The 022 is 3 wire while the Fastrack is 4 wire. If this can be done, how do the wires align?
They don't align.
The hands down #1 rule when discussing fastrack switch controller wiring is understand key limitations of the RSC/Lights output- this is a +5 and minus 5V DC output for status. If you connect this to something wrong, the risk of burning up the board in the switch is high.
The Red and Green (Out and Thru) are also connected to the anti-derailing track rails of the switch.
When either red or green is shorted to black (GND) the switch switches.
Because the 022 switch controller has lamps, you may not be able to have the bulbs inserted because they are parallel to the switch contacts making it look always shorted both directions.
Again, I would NOT recommend connecting O22 switch controllers to a fastrack switch.
The status lights are incompatible and will not work.
If you do this- likely, the light bulbs short out both directions and the switch chatters back and forth.
The 3 wires connect to THRU, GND, and OUT- do not connect anything to RSC/Lights
Hi Vernon,
Thank you. I was hoping to replace the Fastrack controllers as I really don't like that they don't center (and I have one that appears to be bad). I bought this layout (5x9) with Fastrack on it and I really am not happy with the way it works.
I'd swap the Fastrack to something else but I don't know if the geometry of the layout would allow another track system to fit in properly with the same spacing, especially replacing the four switches, which I think are 036.
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