Running Lionel Fastrack 10" Crossing Accessories Off ACC transformer & Fixed Voltage

@Ken Gillig posted:

Questions:

1. Can these accessories be run using fixed voltage transformer outputs (phased with common ground to track transformer)? YES, not factory, but modifying and connecting to the red wire you mentioned- yes.
   
   • Is it just a matter of re-connecting the red wire on the bottom of each accessory that comes set to the center rail, and instead have it connect to a wire from the accessory transformer set to 14V fixed? YES- assuming your accessory power is common to the outside rail.
   • See pics of each accessory's bottom wiring.

1. If you run the accessory as distributed by Lionel to run of track power, and if you have a large length of insulated outer rail tracks before/after the accessory:
   1. Will there be large power draw off the trains power center rail source? The insulated rail is ONLY the outside single one rail. Center should NOT be isolated. As such, then also, one outside rail is ALSO contiguous and thus you have center rail and one outside rail powered- just like the rest of your loop or track plan.
   2. Would there be any adverse effect on Legacy signal strength/loss if the insulated rails used were very long – say 10+ feet? No, should not be, again, you have one contiguous outside rail and OBTW- the wheels connect the other outside rail as the train goes by.

I look forward to your reply. Thank you.

Regards, Ken

Remember- Fastrack is ONLY as good as the joints are tight for electrical connectivity.

When you start removing the jumper bars between the outside rails to make the insulated rail sections.

Now, each of the track pins- 3 at each end (6 per track) all must work 100% all the time to not have dead spots. You start saying 10 feet of that- lots and lots of joints..... only takes 1 bad one.

If I was doing this (especially 10 feet worth), I would use 3 wires, and basically create a bus system for each of the 3 rails and each piece of track in this section. Outer, center, and insulated rail section (other outer).

While this picture is a a section, the idea is again, 3 wires, one for each rail  connecting across the track joints. Especially on a more permanent install.

Vernon,

Thanks ... great idea for keeping the track pieces well connected that are in between the two isolated 5" rails that come with the accessories. I will do that - but current real intention is only for about 5 pieces of isolated track - two before the accessory and two after, plus the accessory piece in the middle - for now!

What about my question - can one the use fixed voltage rather than track voltage to power the accessory?

- Do the accessory bottom pictures provide enough direction to answer my question? Or does the accessory bottom plate covering the majority of wire works need to be removed and inspected?

I am no electrical genius - just asking OGR people who have this expertise.

P.S. All other readers - anyone have these accessories and did you wire to track power or alternative fixed voltage?

Thanks everyone, hope your responses guide me.

Ken

Ken, please see Vernon's first reply.  He answered your questions within the Quote box.  His words are in boldface font.  FWIW, I completely agree with his answers.

Thanks Vern and Steve,

I blew right past the enclosed box Vern edited with answers ... I wrongly assumed the box was just a copy of my note. My apologies Vern - I need to slow down a bit!

I am very glad to hear that the diagnosis of modifying the red wire in each accessory to connect to a fixed Volt ACC transformer lead will work, along with all the other caveats pointed out such as phased transformers with common ground, and I will employ Vern's suggestion for "3 rail buses connecting all track like rails inside the isolated track section" as he illustrated.

One more problem solved. Thanks again!!!

Regards, Ken

Hi Vern,

Happy 4th!

By chance can you tell the name of the connector you used to make the Fastrack rail buses that attach to the underside track tabs holding the rails down? And if you can name them, who sells them?

Regards, Ken

Ken, what Vernon is showing is I believe to be a FasTrack Block Section and the jumpers are included with it.  Parts for it are not listed on Lionel's site.

I make my own jumpers and feeders using (link here)>>> Faston 110 connectors.

Hi Vern, Steve,

I understand the concept! My question is really about implementation - where are these connectors at the end of these illustrated jumpers for sale. I tried Del City and no luck. Searched elsewhere, no luck.

Steve - I see that Fastrack block section 6-12060 that you are referring to - it has these jumpers with thin silver plates having two slots that allow rounded tabs from rails to be inserted through them and bent back secure - see pic. I have also seen these thin plate and slotted terminal connectors used over rail tabs also with the Fastrack 1 3/8 " straight track so you can remove a jumper to create a block.

These flat silver plates with two slots look to be an electrical terminal connector, likely crimped on or soldered with shrink tube. I am not aware of Lionel selling these or recommending these connectors. They do recommend a different connector type to connect to wire power and ground rails, which you can (and I have) purchased at Del City.

My only question - where are these connectors sold, or are these home made? I am certainly not going to buy block tracks and cannabalize for connectors.

Is soldering the only real alternative to these connectors illustrated to create a rail bus?

-Ken

Ken,

Out of curiosity, in what application would you want to use them?

I believe the tabs you're referring to are manufactured for/by Lionel.  I haven't find them on their parts site.  Maybe you could call their customer service and inquire.

If you simply want to be able to easily disconnect wires from the track and you're ok with soldering, the 110 Faston connectors are also available in male , which could be soldered to tabs underneath the track.

Failing all that, the least expensive way I know to acquire the tabs you're asking about is to extract them from 6-12073 1-3/8" Straight track or similar...