I purchased a Lot of Life-Like Power Loc track on e-bay for my son’s small layout in his room. The wiring for the turnouts were cut and no remote switches were sent.
I see where I can go inside the switching mechanism and maybe re-solder the wiring…but I’m not sure about the remote switches. Any ideas where I can find something that will work?
Mike/Nightshade
I’m not sure if Atlas remote switches will work on those switches or not.Actually I would think they would, they are basically the same type of switch.
Do you have a local hobby shop anywhere nearby that carries parts for Power-Loc?
I think Power-Loc has website, not sure what the uRL is, you might try an internet search.
Anyone else have any answers or ideas?
Best of luck
Ed
When you say “Remote Switches” is it safe to assume that you mean the push-button switches that would be used to change the turnouts? I hate to recommend Radio Shack because of their prices, but if you need only a few push buttons you can get them there. If you need a lot of push buttons, look at purchasing in bulk from someone such as All Electronics at http://www.allelectronics.com
All’s catalog numbers MPB-1 and MPB-1B are priced at 10 for $3.25, and Radio Shack would probably want that much for just 2 switches. Of course, shipping must be considered when ordering by mail.
Atlas push button switches for their turnouts would work, too, if you have a local hobby shop that handles Atlas track components.
Walthers bought Life Like, so I pulled out my new 2007 Walthers HO catalog.
On the page for Life Like track, they don’r show a separate electrical switch for the remote switches.
However on page 299, Atlas lists a separate “Switch Control Box”, far right hand column, about halfway down the page, cost is $3.75 perswitch.
Catalog number-part number 150-56
Hope this helps.
Ed
Sounds like cacoles advice is probably the best, and least expensive.
Ed
The power loc track switches are weird because they have all internal wiring with just a plug you put in. It looks a lot like a dcc socket on both ends. Of course, this also means a special wire. I think I know a guy that does the train show route in my area who has powerloc switches for 3 bucks a piece, so if you can find a deal like that…just buy new ones!
This is the switch from Walthers.
Yes, but those atlas switch boxes won’t work with a power loc switch unless you rewire the switch (i’m pretty sure).
I got a chance to call Walther’s Tech Service today about this. For those who are interested, the Atlas 150-56 is the same thing as the remote switch for a Life-Like Power-Loc remote turnout.
You need a momentary contact, Double Pull, Center Off, spring loaded. I had to re-solder the wire to the connection board on the switch, but nothing a little Cat-5 wire couldn’t handle! :))
Mike/Nightshade
I have read the posts concerning the Power-Loc turnouts and using the remote switches. I, too, purchased some Power-Loc track and turnouts for my grandson and we’re setting up a small layout in the basement. I’d like to use some sort of toggle-type switch to control the turnouts. I’m confused as to just which type to get. What is a single-pole, double pull switch that one of the people wrote about? How do you know if a switch is “momentary contact”? There are no hobby shops near where I live so I’d have to order something through a catalog or online company. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding reputable companies that handle small parts for people just setting up a train set? Who (or what) is Walthers? Thanks, for any help you can give me.
An old grandpa who wants to play with his grandson