Transfer Switch

Independently, or two or more at the same time?

Mike

One at a time

You could use a rotary selector switch that a lot of the guys are using for their roundhouse stub tracks.  That would give you only one active at a time. 

Check Atlas. They make an Ogauge selector.

Unless you think it's likely you'll be adding a second power source in the future, a transfer switch (aka selector) may be unnecessary.  By definition, a transfer switch transfers a load (train in this case) from one power source to another.

Maybe I've misunderstood a bit, but it seems as if what you're asking about is a way to selectively apply or cut power to 5 different possible loads (tracks), powered by the same single power source, one at at time.  As already mentioned, you could use a rotary selector for this purpose.

Perhaps a less expensive option, with more control options, would be to use individual single pole on/off switches, one per track.  Each switch input could be wired to the Hot output of the transformer.  Each switch output wired to one track.  Commons don't need to be switched and could feed all tracks simultaneously.

It would be up to the operator to apply power to only one or possibly more tracks at a time, depending on which switches are turned on.

If you want to ensure that only one track can be powered at a time, a rotary selector is likely the best option.

Whichever type of switch you choose, I would suggest making sure it's current rating (in Amps) is more than your transformer or its circuit breaker can supply.

Thanks SteveH

Yes I want to selectively apply or cut power to 5 different possible loads (tracks), powered by the same single power source, one at at time.

I would like to use a rotary selector for this purpose.

I am not sure of the nomenclature to use when ordering a rotary selector switch. Do I buy a 5 pole single throw switch? Some of these rotary selector switches have a bewildering array of connection points, and a lot of the tech literature is pictorial without much explanation for how these things get wired.

This is a Taiss Universal Changeover Switch 20A 550V 5 Position 12 Terminals Latching Rotary Cam Selector Switch + SV2-4s Blue Connection Terminal LW26-20 0-5/3.

I can get it from Amazon for $12.00.

Would I wire the hot lead from the transformer to contact #1, and then provide jumpers from 1-3, and 3-5, and 5-7, and 7-9? Then run a wire from terminal #2 to track loop 1, and a wire from terminal #4 to track loop 2, and #6 goes to track loop 3, #8 to track loop 4, and #10 to track loop 5.

If the loops are truly independent, I would be buying more transformers until I could run 5 trains at once. One old Type V, Z, KW, or R would get you to 3 trains simultaneously. Two all the way to 5.

@Mossback Mike posted:

Would I wire the hot lead from the transformer to contact #1, and then provide jumpers from 1-3, and 3-5, and 5-7, and 7-9? Then run a wire from terminal #2 to track loop 1, and a wire from terminal #4 to track loop 2, and #6 goes to track loop 3, #8 to track loop 4, and #10 to track loop 5.

Precisely.

And the common connection (the "U" post on most transformers) doesn't go through the switch but goes directly to the outside rail.

Mike

@Mossback Mike posted:

Thanks SteveH ...snip... This is a Taiss Universal Changeover Switch 20A 550V 5 Position 12 Terminals Latching Rotary Cam Selector Switch + SV2-4s Blue Connection Terminal LW26-20 0-5/3.

Would I wire the hot lead from the transformer to contact #1, and then provide jumpers from 1-3, and 3-5, and 5-7, and 7-9? Then run a wire from terminal #2 to track loop 1, and a wire from terminal #4 to track loop 2, and #6 goes to track loop 3, #8 to track loop 4, and #10 to track loop 5.

That looks like it will accomplish what you want to do. Plus it has a "spare" set of contacts if one of the others goes bad.