I want to purchase toggle switches to turn power on/off on sidings on my Lionel Legacy railroad. What is a good size switch, I believe I need SPST switch? I plan on mounting the switches on thin plywood, 1/4 or 3/8.
Bob
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Might want to ask this on the Electrical forum.
George
I used regular old 20 Amp toggle switches found at any local hardware store. They're more than adequate to handle train power and are inexpensive.
I used these http://www.led-switch.com/Stan...Toggle%20Switch.htm, price is right $1.25 and shipping is fast. I have broght some from Hardware store and auto parts but they are over $6
Bob,
The best toggle switch ident and installation education is on the OGR Video Guide to DCS, Jim Bennett does an outstanding job of explaining in his back shop segment which switch to use and exactly how to install the switches on the layout. Grab a copy of the OGR Video Guide to DCS and watch it, as many time as you need to build your own toggle switch sidings. I used them for years in the manner Jim describes on the OGR Video.
PCRR/Dave
Thank you everyone. Great information.
Bob
10 amps or more SPST will be fine. Most of these are designed for mounting in thin metal maybe 1/16"-1/8". If you are mounting them in 1/4"-3/8" plywood you will need to find them with longer threads for the faceplate and mounting nut.
I have been using these spst rocker switches from Radio Shack with no issues.
-Pete
Thanks Brian & Pete.
Brian, I like the small switches you use, the led on the track is awesome!
Bob
The small switches are normally not rated to carry the 8-10 amps possible from a brick. If you are going to use overloaded switches, do not switch the power when large currents are being drawn.
Bob,
At the very beginning of your video you have a Burgandy Color PRR Train and tender.
The whistle is AWESOME.
PLEASE tell me the model # of that unit and is the whistle tones part of a DCS system or will it sound the same way running Conventional ?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Video and layout are really nice.
Originally Posted by Dale Manquen:
The small switches are normally not rated to carry the 8-10 amps possible from a brick. If you are going to use overloaded switches, do not switch the power when large currents are being drawn.
The small switches also do not have handles that are as sturdy as the standard size switches. I've seen a number of people break them off.
Glad you enjoyed the whistle Brian.
The locomotive is Lionel K-4 4-6-2 #5409 Tuscan Red. Lionel # 6-11319.
I operate it using Lionel Legacy, I am not sure if you can "quill" the whistle running conventional.
Bob
