Toggle Switch question

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Just wondering if anyone out there has used a Radio Shack toggle switch to control an Atlas turnout. Am I correct in that it needs to be a SPDT center-off momentary switch?

Does anyone know a good part number for a compatible switch?

Thanks.

2

The radio shack switch is good for this, but I use the DPDT momentary contact switch, so I can control two turnouts per switch. I use SPST’s to turn the power to the turnouts on or off, so whichever one is turned on is the one that change.

3

Thanks, Jeffrey

4

Radio Shack makes a momentary contact pushbutton switch, packaged in pairs [red and black] that I use to control my Atlas turnouts. I use the red for curved position and the black for straight through position. They fit in 1/2" holes in my masonite panels. I think they are $2.29 per pair.

5

I used to use push button switches like that. The problem I encountered with them is that they break too easily. That’s why I went to the toggles.

6

Yes, and that is correct. Specifically designated as (on)-off-(on). However I don’t believe Radio Shack carries them anymore. So with Radio Shack’s current catalog you are stuck getting a DPDT #275-709 for $4.49 each (Yipes!). And they are monsters much bigger and heavier duty than needed.

Try the internet there are much better deals out there like:
http://tritekelectronics.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=226
see part number - PHI30-10008B. $1.49. In my opinion it looks like the perfect switch for for model railroading control panels. Note I have never purchased this exact switch from this exact company. It is an example.

P.S. seeing the two posts that came up while I was working on this one - I agree with Jeffrey. The Radio Shack push buttons are really flimsy. I have broken many of them. I stopped buying them.

7

I counted 42 of the RS pushbuttons [275-609] on my control panel just now, and I have never had one fail. I did have one of the miniature pushbuttons [275-1547] break, though, so I don’t use them. The larger pushbuttons are also available as push on/push off switches, and I use them to control street lights, oil well pumps, and building lights.