I need to replace the large control button that comes with the Fastrack Uncoupling Section. I have five uncouple sections on my layout and want to replace the buttons with something smaller. Is the button just a common SPST two position switch or is there more to it than that?
Lionel referred to the switches as “pile-up” switches. You can study their construction here:
Rob
Rob, I think he’s talking about the Fastrack uncoupler, 6-12020, which appears to be just an electromagnet. I think it is likely that the control is just an SPST switch, although I don’t have one to verify that.
Well, he’s good to go w/ SPST’s then. When he said “switches” plural it threw me off, now I see he has 5 uncoupling sections.
Rob
It’s just a simple SPST switch, but because of its boxy plastic construction they have been known to stick in the “on” position. In a phrase, the switch doesn’t always return to “off” when you let up on it. This keeps the magnet on too long and the magnet can overheat. I found an old Lionel #90 switch among my shop-stuff and swapped it in. The better the quality of the switch, the safer the hook-up – in my opinion.
I constructed mine out of (3) SPST push buttons.
You can get small SPST switches at All Electronics for $.40 each.
Kurt
Or you could buy the pile up switch from lionel part # 690-0UCS-040 $9.50
You need a SPST momentary pushbutton switch (sends power only when manually pressing the button). I saw several on RadioShack’s website. You probably get them for less at an electronics mailorder firm like Mouser, but there’s usually a minimum order and shipping costs to consider.