Lionel Grade Crossing 6-12052 Power

It can take 18V all day long, or you can use aux power.

I'll second what Vernon said.

I've had one of these on a command/18v layout  running off track power for 18 years without an issue.

I want to thank you for your responses.

As a follow up, to preserve the longevity of my fastrack switches I'm looking to run dedicated power, 12-14v (I know there may be a wiring error in the switch and how to correct it), but was wondering if this too may not be necessary.

Thanks in advance for your response.

Hi Tman129,

I have just finished turning all 22 of my Fastrack o72 Remote/Command switches from track power to Aux Transformer power running at about 17 volts (the switches can handle 14-18 volts), off one channel of a ZW (R) that I use for aux power for: switches, uncoupling and operating tracks, signals, and power for LCS modules (i.e. the lower support side). My layout is only 10 months old (24' x 24') with loops, so I do not have a lot of time running on track power to compare, but I did make the move to just not drain my track power with switches.

There is I am sure in OGR probably several people with large or larger layouts who have run switches on track power for a longer time ... I hope they chime in for you.

As for me, I am glad I made the move early and things are running well this way.

- Ken

@Tman129 posted:

I want to thank you for your responses.

As a follow up, to preserve the longevity of my fastrack switches I'm looking to run dedicated power, 12-14v

That's not necessary either. I have 7 fastrack turnouts that have operated on 18v track power for as long as the crossing, no issues.

On a side note. Fastrack turnouts use very little power ,so they don't tax the power for your trains.

Thanks again for your response.