I have these 2 accessories and i have no clue how to hook them up. I have the 153C connector for both, but I have using them, because the train has to put weight on the track to activate it, I screw down the track so its impossible to activate the 153C connector. Is there another way to wire them up, maybe using fiber pins and lockons??? thanks.
Insulate one of the outside rails over the stretch of track where you want the accessory to operate. You can do this yourself or buy suitably insulated track of whatever kind you are using. Then connect the insulated rail to one terminal of the accessory. Connect the other terminal of the accessory to the voltage source that you want to power it from. Connect the return of the voltage source to the other outside rails–the ones that you didn’t insulate. That voltage source can be an accessory terminal or a variable-voltage terminal of the same transformer that you’re running trains with if that transformer’s common return is connected to the outside rails. You can also use the same output that runs the trains, that is, connect the second accessory terminal to the center rail; but the accessory will operate only when the track voltage is on.
If you use a separate transformer or power supply, don’t worry about “phasing”. It doesn’t matter for this purpose.
Good advice from Bob.
I have been able to find instructions for some accessories at www.lionel.com - Customer Service - Manuals.
A costly (list $36.99) alternative to the 153C contactor might be the 153IR Controller. I’ve heard that it works pretty well.
Let us know how you do. Good luck.
I just did it the old way with the 152C’s. Now big deal. I got all the accessories wired up and the train layout is done. thanks guys.
lionel2,
You used the 153Cs? How did you do it if your track is screwed down? Did you unscrew a few sections before and after to let them “float”?
Mike
I unscrewed about 3 sections of track, put the 153C right in the middle, and then it worked just fine. I maybe had to play with the track a little bit, so that the gateman will go back into his shed. Its tricky but it works. I cannot believe i fit all 21 accessories of mine on (2) 8x4 and (1) 4x4. My My is it a good layout design, i am able to fit 8 loco with about 4 to 6 cars behind them on the layout, use of 12 switches helped alot. I thought i would have to use all 4 of my transformers, but only use (1) Z and (1) KW. I did the whole works with the terminal strips and color coded wiring. Man does the Z really help with powering my accessories. thanks.