How To Wire a Lionel FasTrack Switch

Рет қаралды 10,128

4 жыл бұрын

Norm Jurgen demonstrates how to wire a Lionel FasTrack Switch for a large layout and controlling it using a SC-2 Controller and/or a Lionel Switch Toggle. When installing an older Lionel FasTrack it is helpful to use colour-coded stranded 18 gauge wire, block couplers and an 80 Watt Lionel Transformer. Clipon wire blocks are also helpful to power the switches. Remember to position your SC-2 Controllers under a TMCC Direct Lockon. To improve signal quality cut a hole in your train set table top. And when installing a FasTrack Switch on top of grounded sheet metal remember to use electrical tape on the bottom of the switch to prevent electrical shorting.
Please subscribe to this Channel if you wish to learn more helpful Lionel model railroading tips and send your comments to Norm if you have questions.

Пікірлер: 24

@johncovin5200 9 ай бұрын

Thank you very much. I particularly like the idea of throwing two switches simultaneously and the wiring example you showed is very simple for a newbie like me. Again. Wow and thank you.

@AWIRELINK 4 жыл бұрын

I've seen many video on fastrack switches, but I never found one as informative and helpful as this. Thank you Sir!

@17designs 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I feel most honoured by your comment.

@sgtcote1 Жыл бұрын

Wow I'm amazed by your organization and knowledge of these switches. I have sooooooo much to learn. Heck my first two manual switches arrive this week. Mind you I've had a standard 4x8 table loop for 15 years and it's time to grow. Lol

@larryarcher4502 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best explained videos I've come across super helpful , wire communication is more than just what Runs Through the Wire that is the reason people have runaway trains cannot emphasize that enough I've been studying radio signals for years..

@17designs 3 жыл бұрын

It would be most help if there were over the counter devices available to measure cross talk. Or, if Lionel included more support videos to resolve Cross Talk issue. Anyways, I hope my video helps.

@GfwTrains 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tutorial. I love the video. Thanks for sharing.

@17designs 4 жыл бұрын

You're most welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it. Norm

@Dachamp2001 3 жыл бұрын

I use regular phone or data wire for my switches it's pretty cheap and keeps everything neat

@17designs 2 жыл бұрын

That's nice to know. Thanks

@silk.1467 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Norm, if you’re in the the Yosemite National Park area stop in. I can use your help. The wire part is very difficult for my pay grade:)

@17designs 3 жыл бұрын

Our family has been fortunate enough to visit Yosemite. Beautiful National Park! If I could, I'd hop on a place and visit you now. Yes, wiring switches does have its challenges. Watch and pause my video again. Perhaps it will help. Otherwise, when the borders are open and cash flow returns I'd be happy to visit. Regards, Norm

@brandonmunoz9352 Жыл бұрын

How long is the control cable?

@johncovin5200 9 ай бұрын

Do have ideas about how to attach two lights at remote switches that light depending on the position of the turnout. I cannot see the lamps on some switches at track level and and want to elevate the 2 lights so I can see them. Thank you.

@johncovin5200 9 ай бұрын

Are the comments the best way to ask you a question?

@trainmantn1928 4 жыл бұрын

Is the Direct Lock on wired to the SC2 or just sitting above it connected to the track?

@17designs 4 жыл бұрын

Good question! The Direct Lockon should just sit above but it must be wired to the Command Control Base. There is no connection between the Direct Lockon and the SC2 Controller. If you still get poor signals when attempting to throw a switch you may have to open up the SC2 Controller and reposition or extend the antenna. I found I had to solder a wire to the antenna, point the wire at the Direct Lockon and expose a quarter inch of the end. This improves the ability to throw switches.

@jimeronimo 4 жыл бұрын

Hey pardner. Really appreciate you putting it out there. I have a layout I'm putting together. O scale. Its not quite as elaborate because it's a ceiling shelf layout but does have some of the same elements. I think what I'm trying to do is simple for someone that understands all of this but I don't and I don't have anyone close i can work with. Do you have an email or comfortable way I could talk with you about it? Jim. LeanderTX

@17designs 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Jim. Just spotted your comment. Yes, happy to help. We can chat one evening over Instagram, you can send an email through my business website www.17designs.com (unrelated to trains) or you can messenger me through facebook - Norm Jurgen.

@DennyDreadBassMan 3 жыл бұрын

Why would a switch be on sheet metal?

@17designs 2 жыл бұрын

To resolve cross talk.

@nyscottie 4 жыл бұрын

Instead of buying 3 or 4 separate spools of wire, buy a roll of low voltage thermostat wire.

@17designs 4 жыл бұрын

It's nice to know more economical colour-coded wiring alternatives exists. I have no experience using thermostat wiring but will do a comparison on my next layout. Thanks for sharing!

@trainmantn1928 4 жыл бұрын

What gauge is that wire?