Hi to all,
I’m trying to figure out a method to power a couple of older RCS remote tracks to unload my milk and coal dump cars on our Christmas layout. I was hoping to not use the regular control and come up with something that uses a pushbutton (large) so they Grand kids can operate them better. This would be to operate the unloading part only, not uncouple the cars. I can use track power or accessory voltage . (Using a Type V transformer) The simpler the better. Thanks in advance!
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Because some operating cars work with the uncouple button(using car chassis for ground/common) and some with the unload button(isolated from the car chassis), a DPDT (on)-off-(on) switch can be used to replace the bulky controllers. 6019 illustrated, RCS/UCS, GarGraves/Ross, RealTrax, FasTrack similar. If you really don't want the magnet energizing, just don't connect it or cut the connection. To use aux power, take the "power" wire off the center rail connection and connect it to your accessory voltage tap.
A DPST button type switch of your choosing can be used to energize either uncouple or unload by just using either the bottom, or top, respectively, of the DPDT in the illustration.
Thanks! Already planned on doing this as I have some DPDTs sitting around. Now I don't have to sort through the old lionel schematics. Not that difficult, but anything that makes it easier, I'm grateful for.
The article I shared on my website may have some helpful tips. My accessories are set up to be hands on by all visitors.
For details and photos see Toy Train Layout Wiring - Advanced .
![wmadvrcsswdiag[1]](https://ogrforum.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/151914096401932681/filePointer/151914096406274770/fodoid/151914096406274766/imageType/LARGE/inlineImage/true/wmadvrcsswdiag%255B1%255D.jpg "wmadvrcsswdiag[1]")
![wmadvrcsswdiag[1]](https://ogrforum.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/151914096401932681/filePointer/151914096406274770/fodoid/151914096406274766/imageType/LARGE/inlineImage/true/wmadvrcsswdiag%5B1%5D.jpg "wmadvrcsswdiag[1]")
If one doesn't have DPDT's lying around (Rob's method), if all you need is the unloading function (vs. uncoupling), see this OGR thread where a common SPST doorbell-style pushbutton does the job.
Thanks to everyone that helped with this. I tried the drawing Stan2004 posted adjusting the wiring from a UCS to RCS and it worked out perfect! . The Grand kids will now be able to throw some milk cars and dump some coal on the Christmas layout.
@dad roadie posted:Thanks to everyone that helped with this. I tried the drawing Stan2004 posted adjusting the wiring from a UCS to RCS and it worked out perfect! . The Grand kids will now be able to throw some milk cars and dump some coal on the Christmas layout.
Glad it worked for you. I converted my old UCS tracks (with Stan's help) about a year ago and really enjoy the operation now. I used some simple momentary switches. Perfect for kids.
Lionel postwar #90 buttons are bigger for small hands over getting a SPST as shown in the diagram above.
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