Hi fellow train enthusiasts. Lionel stations and signals with the START/STOP feature use a thermo coupling much like a Wall thermostat in our houses. It's 2 pieces of different metals pressed together wrapped with a wire. When heat is applied, the metal bends slightly. Does anyone know what number Lionel assigned to it? What is the Lionel part number? Any help is always appreciated! TY! Len
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You may be a bit hard pressed to find an original. That white wrap is asbestos. I don't know what is used today.
What you have pictured is the most basic flasher control use in a prewar Lionel 83 or 87 signal. The part number is 83-11.
The thermostats used for train control are more complex and have a timer adjustment lever component.
See this OGR thread discussing a 132 Station thermostatic switch which seems different than your picture but suggests they might be difficult to find.
That thread begat a different OGR thread where "modern" electronic timer module(s) were used to emulate the station stop timing functionality. As stated throughout the discussion, it's obviously easier to drop-in the exact replacement component. It's the (lack of) availability and price that might be motivation to attempt the DIY alternative.
Thanks for the helpful information! Len
Thanks to EVERY responder! Your comments are most helpful! Len
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