What power pack do I need for #6 crossover turnout switches? I bought a set of #6s but did not realize I needed separate power packs as I thought by using the green wires to the tracks will also supply power.
Please help.
Thanks
Dear arbasu,
Any power pack with an accessories output in the 12 Volts AC to 16 VAC range will work.
Some wall-wart transformers may fall into this voltage range.
DC in those voltage ranges would work too, but in either case, to prevent solenoid meltdown, the button shouldn't be pushed for longer than a half second or so.
The following power pack has 16VAC "push-insert-release" accessories terminals:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=209
I have available some new, never used, 44212 power packs from sets. More details, send an email to joebarb"AT"wwt"DOT"net
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Edit: added "push-insert-release"
The track already has power can it not use it from there?
Are yo usaying I have to buy $50 power packs for these switches?
Please see the attached picture for my configuration.
That's MSRP. Mine are certainly less.
As previously stated, you could find a spare/junk transformer with output in the 12 to 16 VAC range.
In addition to supplying 16VAC Accessories power, the 44212 will also free up address 10 for DCC use when it is plugged into an EZ-Command station.
Turnout solenoid Turnout solenoid
^ ^
l l
l l
44212 (3 wires) (3 wires)
Accessories output (2 wires)-->Slide/push button--->Slide/push button-->
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
The tracks are either powered from the Variable DC of a standard Transformer or the AC from a DCC Control Center. In either case , the control switches of the Turnouts are powered from the AC or accesories output of of a standard transformer . Are you running DC or DCC ? If you are running #6 crossovers you may wish to wire both turnout switches together to throw turnouts similtainiously.
I have this exact track layout with the exception of the crossovers have a 9" straight on both ends of them and both the 2-8-4 and the 2-8-0 will derail on both crossovers regardless of inside or outside oval when crossing over...all rail joiners are properly installed and the switches are completly thrown one way or the other... <a href="http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb165/nitroburnr/?action=view¤t=IMG_8254.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb165/nitroburnr/IMG_8254.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Do they appear to be picking the points of the switch? Are the lead and trailing trucks causing the problem or the drive wheels the problem. If the lead/trailing trucks are an issue consider adding a little weight and making other adjustments until you find something that works.
it is the lead and trailing trucks and the tender