It’s been a while, and I never knew what these were when growing up: On the switches, there is a female port for some type of plug-in. Scanning the forums yielded that they are for constant voltage from the transformer…takes away from the track voltage. So, you can wire your switches to a power source indepenent of the track/throttle voltage so you can switch without having to increase “speed”, correct?
But I’ve never seen these before? Where do you get them? Can you link multiple switches into one transformer?
The CV plug is usually available from parts dealers. It was sort of a small golf T shaped piece of plastic/metal that brought a “hot” wire from an auxiliary tap or supply. Return was still handles by the track “common”. The shape of the plastic pushed open a spring contact in the switch motor to isolate power from the track center rail. Ask for part number 711-151.
If you have a ZW or KW transformer you can wire the constant voltage plug from one of the B or C or auxilary power terminals, as for how many you can wire will depend on how often the switches are thrown electrically and what kind of light bulb is in the switch lens housing. Voltage should be around 16 to 18 volts AC.
The shape of the constant voltage plug is sort of hard to describe because it changes size as one end must go inside the solenoid housing and disconnect the track power,
there is a ridge or built-up piece of plastic to keep it from going too far in, also has a screw on one end to attach a wire.
If you buy this part used it should cost about $5.00 to $7.50 at a train show, not sure of price from a parts dealer via internet or magazine.
I like the old style 022 switches better than any new switches from Lionel, I can run almost any locomotive without problems, easy to maintain.
Lee F.
The constant voltage plug comes as a standard item with new switches. The allow a set voltage to be applied from the accessory screws on a transformer, or better yet, from a small secondary adjustable transformer. The switches operate with a good snap at about 14-15 volts. I think the lens covers get too hot around 18 volts.
If you get switches off of a certain n on-line auction site, ask if the seller if the constant voltage plugs are present or missing. I think they are one of the more critical parts for the proper operation of a switch, and that the asking and bid prices should reflect this item being present or absent.