Does anyone still use lock-ons with tubular track?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I was wondering if there are folks that still use, and prefer, lock-ons with their tubular tack?

With my temporary layouts I have used both lock-ons and direct connections by inserting spades into the slot on the bottom of the rails. I’ve never had a problem with voltages when using lock-ons. I find them to be quick, easy, and very effective.

I am at the point of creating blocks for my layout and decided that I will go with lock-ons for the permanent connections for each block (rather than use soldered connections or a spade into the slot in the center rail). To me they help enhance the classic “toy train” look.

Chris

2

I do. We set up floor layouts with tubular track and I find that a lighted lockon is a good idea when a CW-80 transformer is used. It helps create a load, which makes the e-units on some locos work better.

Jim

3

I do on the layout ,I have em every 4 feet, no problems.

laz57

4

I use both lock ons and soldered connections. The lock ons only disavantage I can tell is appearance. They can be troublesome to disguise.

Jim

5

We still sell a number of them every week to folks making/expanding O-gauge tubular layouts. The majority of sales though are Fastrak.

6

I use a combination. On each block, I have one lighted mth lock on as I like the look and I like to confirm that the power is on. I also soldier additional wires.

7

That’s all I use - one to each of the five large loops. They’re bullet-proof.

8

Ah - a tubular track thread to start the week - it’s all good.

I’ve abandonded the lock-ons in favor of soldering the connections directly to the rail. I’m trying to have everything blend in and they stand out too much for what I am doing.

On my previous temporary layout, lock ons were everywhere.

9

I’m using lockons right now but I intend to replace them with spade connectors once I find a cure for laziness. I bought a big package of them about a year ago (along with a bunch of wire) and I think they’re still sitting in the same place as they were when I brought them home.

10

I use lockons for my tubular track.

11

I continue to use lock-ons for my temporary and Christmas layouts with no problems. I do tend to replace Marx lockons with Lionels. The Lionels seem to hold better.

12

I’ve been using a lighted one for years, they are quick and easy and I like the green light.

13

I solder 14 AWG to the rail web and flange, on the side of the rail away from the viewer. A number of folks have said that they insert spade lugs into the rail. Does anyone use male fastons instead?

14

Chris,

I’ve got them everywhere, but they are not all as easy to spot as in this photo. I’m still planning on covering these two with shrubs.

15

I think they are pretty unobtrusive. Perry’s blend right in with his scenery.

Jim

16

I use them as well, easy to install and also easy if you need to swap out a track section. If you have enough scenery trackside, they just seem to blend in after a while. You can always paint the lockon in earth-colored paints or to match your ballast.

17

I do. A couple of lichen bushes hides all the visual sins.

18

Took me a couple minutes to find the second one! Every time I see your layout I’m less and less impressed… [;)]

Brent

19

My layout is portable, 3, 4X5 sections, and the lockons work very well!

20

I find I don’t really need them.

Each remote switch has a built-in “lockon”(K-Line, 022, 711 types, maybe more) and I make my track power connections to the switches. Solves voltage drop problems across switches by using them as feeds.

5 terminals on K-Line’s(Common, Through, Out, Track, Fixed).

5 terminals on Lionel too… the 022/711 types can be used with a coaxial power plug instead of the Lionel “fixed plugs” - center(tip) is fixed switch power, outside(ring) is variable track power. Through, Common, Out are on the motor housing.

Rob