Railking Operating Boxcar with Signalman

Doesn't Atlas make a set of control rails just for this purpose? If you use TMCC or DCS, Electric RR.co. has a specific mini-commander just for this car.

I am using Legacy and DCS.  thanks for the info.  I will go to Electric RR co and get that item.  Thanks again.

The Atlas accessories rails kit works for this MTH car. This is what I used with my Atlas track for my MTH signalman boxcar. It works fine. I don't have their part number, but it'll be listed on the Atlas website.

The kit is two long, thin metal "rails", that you can add to any piece of Atlas straight track, typically a 10" straight. Connect the provided wire to these rails and then to the provided control button and power, and you're done.

The only trick when operating the boxcar is to center it evenly over these rails so they contact both pickups on the boxcar. Not a big deal really.

Tom

i got the part number #6097 accessory rails.   thanks

As a side note to Chuck's suggestion, installing the ERR unit will allow the signalman to operate anywhere on your layout.

I saw that on the ERR website......sounds good Thank you.

I have this car, too,.  It is a little touchy to get centered on the operating track (I use Fastrack).  I like the idea of the ERR mini-commander.  Should work well with the brakeman.  I haven’t taken it apart but, I imagine there is enough room to fit it in.

I run mine with the ERR unit and its been working great for years.

ERR has instructions on how to intall the unit.  I don't think i'll be able to install in, but my local train guy will install it for me.  I like the idea of operating it anywhere on the layout, as opposed to a certain track.  Thanks you to everybody...i appreciate the advice and good information.  This is a great place to come for a wealth of knowledge.

I like them and I have both the Rail King and Premier versions as well as the MTH caboose all operated by the ERR kit.  It is nice to see them operate anywhere on the layout.

 The signal car works fine on the Fastrack operating track, but now it wont stop. The door opens the signal man comes out goes back in and the door closes.  Then the door opens and it starts all over again. 

Do you mean it won't stop while sitting on the Operating Track section?  Or it won't stop even if you move it off the Operating track section?

If former, then perhaps the controller is stuck on (wiring short, whatever). 

If latter, then probably requires a slight mechanical adjustment to an internal lever switch which is how it stops after one cycle.  This will require taking the shell off.  If you do open it up, posting a photo of the mechanism will help.

It is the latter it just keeps running so it has to be a switch that has gone wrong.

I don't know exactly which mechanism is used in your specific operating car, but Railking generally uses a lever micro-switch as shown in this video (albeit an operating reefer but same idea):

When you initially activate the car (instructions will say press controller for a couple seconds), the mechanism moves such that the lever switch opens.  This then applies power to the animation motor and keeps the cycle running after you release the controller. Then when the mechanism completes its cycle (signalman comes back), the lever is tripped which then stops the animation.

The desired scenario is you just have to bend or adjust the arm/lever on the micro-switch.

But...I seem to recall there have been instances of failed lever switches.  That is, you manually press the lever arm on the micro-switch, even hear the mechanical "click" of the switch closing, and yet the animation motor continues running.  In this case, you need to replace the switch which will involve de-soldering/soldering wires.  If that's your scenario at least these switches are inexpensive and widely available (a couple bucks).