Switch Problem

[Joe Satnik]

Dear Kris,

I suggest you replace your Radio Shack switch with an Atlas #56 as soon as possible.

Most train shops have them, either brand new, or used but still functional, in a spare parts drawer or box of old track.   

With the RS switch, if anyone else comes in your train room, or you forget to re-center, your expensive turnout will be ruined.

A nice feature of a slide-momentary-push switch is that (when everything is working and you are operating it correctly) the last position of the slide tells you which direction the turnout is set.  Not so with the RS.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

 

[JerryB]

Kris:

It sounds like you bought a 'maintained contact' switch. You really need a 'momentary contact' switch.

Your 'warning' is not going to prevent accidental positioning of the switch, thus burning out the point motor. The correct 'momentary' switch is lots cheaper and easier to install than a new turnout.

Also, you really shouldn't be suggesting that others get the incorrect switch. Changing your link to a 'momentary contact' switch would be a good idea.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

[Kris Everett]

ill see if i can find one.

and ill look into the atlas switch but for now the switch i got will work until i get some more money.

im going to get rid of some old copper tomm so ill have some money then

thanks for the info

[Kris Everett]

ok i updated the thing about the switch

the new switch is just what everyone ordered and its functional.