Passenger Car / Caboose Lighting Switch

[NelsOn-30]

The following instructions will provide a hidden touch less latching on / off switch suitable for most scale track or battery powered model RR cars by utilizing magnetic biasing.

Material required for each car:
Magnetic reed switch (a glass tube containing contacts that close a circuit when magnetized externally)
Small magnet used to latch reed switch.

One only separate (strong enough) bar magnet (poles at ends) used to do the external switching.

The trick is to locate a small magnet close enough to the reed switch to hold the switch operated but far enough away as to not operate the switch by itself. These experiments are best carried out on the work bench before installation. The relative strength of the small magnet will determine its distance from the reed switch.

When correctly positioned the portable bar magnet can then be used to assist the small magnet to turn and hold the lights on or when the ends are reversed over power the small magnet’s field causing the switch to release and the lights go out.

It is suggested that all small magnets be positioned so the same polarity is used to operate all the switches and that the ends of the bar magnet are identified (Green & Red tape) and thinly padded to avoid damage from accidental contact.

I suggest mounting switches in a standard location such as next to smoke stacks in the ceilings.

You will now be able to go up or down your consist with the bar magnet turning the lights on or off to your hearts content.

Track side magnets can turn lights on and off when trains pass and the switches are mounted in a suitable uniform location.