Is there away to install a push button switch to start my train going around the layout and also putting it in reverse? i am trying to make my layout adaptive for my son who has CP in which it is easier for him to push a button rather that trying to lift a lever? I have the CW-80 transformer.
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Sure, for conventional operation, you just need to put a push button in series with the track connection and it'll do the same as the direction button on the transformer. For most locomotives running conventionally, that will cycle them between the foreward, neutral, and reverse settings.
The button would be normally closed (conducting current) when not pushed, and open the circuit when you push it.
Sure, for conventional operation, you just need to put a push button in series with the track connection and it'll do the same as the direction button on the transformer. For most locomotives running conventionally, that will cycle them between the foreward, neutral, and reverse settings.
The button would be normally closed (conducting current) when not pushed, and open the circuit when you push it.
Well, to regulate the trains speed, I don't see a way around the transformer handle for true conventional operation.
This is the kind of push button I envisioned for your reverse switch.
SPDT Push Button Momentary Contact
I would use the same type-- just with a bigger button-- All Electronics sells them-- they have 1 1/2" or 2" buttons. website is www.allelectronics.com just look thru the categories under switches for pushbuttons. Cost only a few $, shipping is 7$.
This is my thought, just to be sure we are all on the same page. I have seen at malls where they display a train layout there is a button you can push to start the train to go around the layout. that is what i am thinking i want to do, but i also need to be able to put it in reverse for when i am not using it it can be stored in a certain area that is a dead end, i think its called sideing or something. the speed i think i could just use the transformer and set it up to be at the speed that i think would work for the layout and have it hidden somewhere. i would need the reverse function and the start function be assessible for my son. i will be running the train conventionally i am not doing anything special with it.
Well, the reverse is problematic, as your locomotive will have to be locked into forward for the operation you are suggesting. What they normally do is have a timer, say 30 seconds, that is activated by the pushbutton to apply power. When the timer expires, the power drops and the train stops. However, you can't have it in normal mode with the E-Unit active if you want it to go forward on each button press.
If each button press reverses the train, which would be normal operation, it should work with the button, just keep the speed setting to a reasonable level.
In 1978, Neil Young and his wife, Pegi, were stunned to realize that their second son, Ben, like his older brother Zeke, had cerebral palsy as well. Ben’s case is much more dramatic, as he is a nonverbal quadriplegic with partial loss of use of his limbs and torso.
Ben’s cerebral palsy is so severe that Young had to come up with a new way to share his love of miniature train models with him. First, the rock star created the Big Red Button. The gently domed button almost three inches across was built so that Ben, who didn’t have the fine motor skills necessary to flip a train set’s switches, could enjoy making the trains run just like any other kid.
Young then worked out a system that let the new device replicate whatever complex maneuver was last run on the system, allowing Ben to rerun them with a single tap. The Big Red Button hooks up with another of Young’s inventions, the CAB-1, the first remote control device for model trains.
All of the work Young did to engage and entertain his son led to a partnership with Richard Kughn, owner of Lionel Corp. The team eventually created Liontech, a research and development company that provides Lionel trains with exclusive new model train control and sound systems, influenced from Ben’s original train.
In 1978, Neil Young and his wife, Pegi, were stunned to realize that their second son, Ben, like his older brother Zeke, had cerebral palsy as well. Ben’s case is much more dramatic, as he is a nonverbal quadriplegic with partial loss of use of his limbs and torso.
Ben’s cerebral palsy is so severe that Young had to come up with a new way to share his love of miniature train models with him. First, the rock star created the Big Red Button. The gently domed button almost three inches across was built so that Ben, who didn’t have the fine motor skills necessary to flip a train set’s switches, could enjoy making the trains run just like any other kid.
Young then worked out a system that let the new device replicate whatever complex maneuver was last run on the system, allowing Ben to rerun them with a single tap. The Big Red Button hooks up with another of Young’s inventions, the CAB-1, the first remote control device for model trains.
All of the work Young did to engage and entertain his son led to a partnership with Richard Kughn, owner of Lionel Corp. The team eventually created Liontech, a research and development company that provides Lionel trains with exclusive new model train control and sound systems, influenced from Ben’s original train.
Well, the reverse is problematic, as your locomotive will have to be locked into forward for the operation you are suggesting. What they normally do is have a timer, say 30 seconds, that is activated by the pushbutton to apply power. When the timer expires, the power drops and the train stops. However, you can't have it in normal mode with the E-Unit active if you want it to go forward on each button press.
If each button press reverses the train, which would be normal operation, it should work with the button, just keep the speed setting to a reasonable level.
The Big Red Button(or any NO(Normally Open) SPST momentary switch plugged into the CAB-1 jack) will mimic any CAB-1 function.
The Big Red Button(or any NO(Normally Open) SPST momentary switch plugged into the CAB-1 jack) will mimic any CAB-1 function.
If the train is a conventional one, and the layout is a simple oval, perhaps powering the track with DC would work. It would require a simple re-wiring of the locomotive, and diodes could be used to lower the reverse speed.
His son could use a center-off, double-throw switch with a large handle for forward, stop, reverse.
Interesting idea with DC. You could also use a set of relays set up to latch with three buttons. One for each direction and the center one to kill the track power. That would be pretty simple to do and solve the problem.
Note that this would only be for a specific locomotive, as any locomotive you wanted to control in this manner would have to have some modifications.
Exactly. The three-button set-up makes sense, too.
Salvagni, if you tell us where you live, maybe we can we find someone near you who can help.
Thank you guys for all your help! what do I need to get? I will be running the Polar Express Set and I have the CW 80 transformer. The track layout is a modified figure "8". Ill get a scetch up here one of these days of what it looks like. Thanks for offering to help me out. Do you know where i can get instructions on how to do what i am trying to accomplish? i would like to try to do it on my own, no offense, bc i find that is the best way that i learn how to do something by trial and error.
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