Using Atlas HD Selector and KW to Control Two Storage Tracks

To turn off the sidings, only the center rail needs to be switched.

From what I have read, make sure you use an Atlas O connector and not one of the older ones designed for HO/N scale trains. The current draw may be too much for those and cause them to melt/fail.

Thanks. I have seen a thread about the HO connectors melting.

So, it looks like the current path is from the KW hot post to the Connector A post then to the center rail on each siding then to the siding’s outside rails and back to the KW U post. Is that correct?

I know the Connector is probably overkill for this application but I want to learn how to use it before I need it for a more extensive set up.

More so than worrying about the selector switch melting, I'm thinking as you cross out the siding crossing your insulated joint if the voltages do not match or transformers not in phase then you run that amperage across the pickup rollers.

Edited to reflect a second handle of the transformer- not a separate transformer.

So really, my recommendation is, why are you using a separate transformer handle on such short sidings? I could understand for an independent loop or say a siding with an accessory and activator track, but a parking siding, my advice is just bond back to the track power on that loop or segment. Again, the situation when crossing out of that siding, then pickup rollers are on one side, and the other at the same time, and while that might be brief, it's best they are at or near the same voltage.

The switch just shorts the center rail of one side of the insulating rail joiner to the other.

Again, I'm just walking through scenarios. If the track past the section is live powered, then as soon as the engine rolls into that, you lost control from your local handle controlling the siding anyway.

To be fair, at our club, we have a roudhouse with a turntable and siding, and then a long yard track off the turntable. Due to distance of where our normal Z4000 mainline transformer is, you cannot see well down to the roundhouse or sidings. So, we have a local 1033 connected to the sidings of the turntable including the one in the roundhouse. You drive out the engine using the selector to power only that track + the turntable. One it crosses the turntable to the exit track, we have a 3 way switch on track. Center off, left or right toggle. Left points at the 1033 transformer for that siding, right switches that entire long siding to our mainline track power form the Z4000. You have the switch left to the 1033 to run the engine from the turntable onto the exit siding, then turn the switch to the right to connect that siding the engine is now parked on to the rest of the mainline. Thenyou drive it off that siding using the Z4000. Again, the logic and reason for that was shear distance (well over 12 feet) from where the mainline transformer control station physically was to where the side was that can be seen from both control locations, and then the switch to flip as you leave one control stand and physically walk over to the other.

Sorry, went a read your post again. You are asking about using a second handle off the KW to control these sidings.

#1 you don't need the control. By that I mean there isn't a situation where you specifically need a separate variable control handle powering this siding.

#2 You don't need the power as there is nothing on this siding that needs power of a second handle.

This is great. Just what I needed. Thanks.