Lionel Linked switches

I've successfully used diode matrix controls for DC powered switch machines in HO, and capacitor discharge power supplies for HO and O-gauge switches. You'll need to give us a better explanation and circuit diagrams of what you're trying to do.

022 turnouts throw by completing the AC circuit thru the opposite solenoid.

By wiring multiple turnouts' posts together, they work in unison when the AC circuit is completed.

If you put a diode in the path from a post to another, you will be blocking only HALF of the current.  The circuit is still being completed for the other phase of the AC.

To do what you want, I think you'll have to use a relay.

  --Joe

Power the switches with DC and you can accomplish what you are trying.

Mike N,

   Listen to Robs advise on this one, power the switches with DC and isolate them from your track power, you will need to figure out the post hook ups, they will be slightly different than normal, but it should work like you are planning, once connected properly.  If you are running DCS you may have a problem running these switches from the hand held remote however.

PCRR/Dave

This is a simple example of diode matrix control for O22 switches. Three push buttons for three routes, only one button to push to line up each route. With more tracks there is more advantage to the system.

You would need some heavy-duty pushbuttons to handle the combined current from more than one switch machine. I haven't done this myself in O-gauge.

Hi Ace/Others

Can this be accomplished - throwing multiple switches with one controller - using Lionel or K-line O-27 profile switches [ PW or Modern ] which have not been modified to take direct power, but still use track power for operation?

Ralph

No, the diode matrix setup requires DC power to the switches.

No reason it can't be, as long as you have enough power on the track to run the train and the switches.  I do it frequently with 1122 switches by pulling/pushing 3 or so levers at once.

The caveat in using them all connected to one controller lever is that a train traveling across the non-derailing trip rails on any switch will trigger all the switches to activate.  This may be desirable in instances such as crossovers and some reverse loop operations.

Thanks Rob

I actually do not use the non-derailing feature on any of my turnouts. I am still in the turnout wiring stage, so maybe I should think about including it in certain situations.

thanks again

Ralph