Track section for MTH operating boxcar

Mike,

The MTH signalman boxcar and operating reefer activate via a 5-rail control track, not a magnet.

If I recall correctly, Atlas makes a pair of rails that can "plug-in" to holes in their straight track, thereby making a control track that will activate the boxcar.

It's a #6097 - Atlas O Accessory rails - They fit on a 10 straight section

If interested, they also have the #6059 Un-coupling track for uncoupling rolling stock. 

Put in an "ERR" R/C board. that way you can operate it anyplace on your Layout. Believe me that's the only way to go!!

FREDSTRAINS

Fred,

Put in an "ERR" R/C board. that way you can operate it anyplace on your Layout. Believe me that's the only way to go!!

I agree.

I have ERR Mini Commanders in about 20 operating cars, including: several MTH signalman cars and reefer cars; an MTH helicopter car; a Lionel Hot Box reefer car; a pair of Lionel postwar barrel cars; and a Lionel postwar cop & hobo car.

Barry,

Would the signalman car be like the MTH caboose with a signal man with a lantern? I have one of those that I can't stop the signal man. Was wondering if the ERR mini commander would work in that one? I am not familiar with the ERR stuff, but it might be time to start learning.

Thanks

Would the signalman car be like the MTH caboose with a signal man with a lantern? I have one of those that I can't stop the signal man.

I don't know if the mechanisms are the same

However, the signalman boxcars can exhibit that same behavior, i.e., the signalman, once started, doesn't stop. In the boxcar, it only requires a very slight adjustment (bending) of a microswitch contact to correct the problem, although fide;ing with the contact to stop the action with the boxcar's door completely closed can be a bit time consuming

This issue can present regardless of whether or not a Mini Commander has been installed.

Thanks, sounds like the mini commander might not be much help for that. I will have to look into making the adjustments you mention, if possible on the caboose. Will just have to take it apart and see what's in there one of these days and go from there.

Fred & Barry,

Can you tell me more about the "ERR" R/C board.  What does it do, is it hard to hook up and where can I get one ?

Thanks,  Mike 

Mike,

Click on this link for The Electric Railroad to learn all about their products.

I'm with the ERR guys, I've done about ten different operating cars with them.  I've got a ways to go to catch Barry's count, but I'm working on it!

The biggest issue I find is sometimes finding a place to hide the ERR Mini Commander.  Stuff like the Log Dump Car doesn't give you much space for it.

John,

Stuff like the Log Dump Car doesn't give you much space for it.

That's one I'd like to do, as well. Have you done one?

Yep, that was one of the earlier ones I did.  The components hang down a bit, but have plenty of clearance.  I've thought about a little enclosure of styrene, maybe someday.

John,

Sorry, I was referring to the MTH log dump car.

Do you have command control (TMCC)?

I don't have one of those, so I haven't done it.