With the notion of using a Gilbert AF 720A switch located off my main line to create two spur or dead-end sidings I did some testing of multiple left and right hand switches. Here's what I discovered:
Left-hand 720A
- Regular Operation mode (little slide-switch toward the crotch of the "V" rails in the switch)
- Power is provided to both the curved and straight rails when the switch is set to turn
- Power is provided only to the straight when the switch is set to straight, curve has no power
- If you want power to both outlet tracks regardless of the direction the switch is set to when in Regular Operation mode, then connect the outer rails of the outlet tracks
- 2-train operation is affected -- both outlet tracks get power when the switch is set straight, only the curved outlet gets power when the switch is set to turn
- 2 Train Operation mode (little slide-switch away from the crotch of the "V" rails in the switch)
- Power is provided only to the direction the switch is set (assuming you haven't connected the outer rails of the outlet tracks)
Right-hand 720A
- Regular Operation mode (little slide-switch toward the crotch of the "V" rails in the switch)
- Power is provided to both the curved and straight rails when the switch is set straight
- Power is provided only to the curve when the switch is set to turn, straight has no power
- If you want power to both outlet tracks regardless of the direction the switch is set to when in Regular Operation mode, then connect the inner rails of the outlet tracks
- 2-train operation is affected -- both outlet tracks get power when the switch is set to turn, only the straight gets power when the switch is set to straight
- 2 Train Operation mode (little slide-switch away from the crotch of the "V" rails in the switch)
- Power is provided only to the direction the switch is set (assuming you haven't connected the inner rails of the outlet tracks)
I hope that helps you enjoy your trains.
For me, for example, with a left-hand switch leading to two spurs I set the switch to Regular Ops and interconnect the outer rails when running FlyerChief engines so both directions get power regardless of how the switch is set. Then for conventional engines, I remove the outer rail connection and put the switch in 2-Train Ops mode so I can isolate each spur according to the direction the switch is set toward.
PS Nothing like good old Gilbert AF 730 or 26749 illuminated bumpers to tell you which spur or spurs are getting power.
Dave
