Replacements for Lionel Accessory Switches/Controllers

Looks like the DPDT are momentary in one direction and stay thrown in the other. That's common. I would check first depending on what you want.

cjack posted:

Looks like the DPDT are momentary in one direction and stay thrown in the other. That's common. I would check first depending on what you want.

cjack, Thanks for the reply.  I checked the DPDT toggle switches and they are momentary in both directions.  My concern now is that they may be too small for little fingers to operate.

They can be a bit hard to push being thin and short. I've seen them with much longer bat handles and some flat handles as well. These ones are the most available ones though.

S Texas, you are "on the right track". In my large Run Room most of my accessories and tracks have replacement controls for the reasons you mention.  See Run Room Trackside Industries Tour    My controllers have held up very well under extended use by "kids" of all ages.
Amp ratings on switches will determine durability.
Track controllers should be 10A minimum motor rated for main tracks.
AC motor accessories need a 3-5A rating.
AllElectronics.com is an easy site for switch shopping.

RCS controller and Log Ramp on/off

Some of my wires are larger than needed because I used surplus wire for color coding.

Track Toggles

Toy Train Layout Wiring - Switches

Power switch for track activated accessory (This accessory clicks when activated if not reset.)

See Operating Cars and Accessories page for more custom controls.

If childproofing is an objective, read Susan's write-up on PTC resettable fuses.  You have to select the Amp value of the PTC to match the application.  They are inexpensive...for example, less than 15 cents free shipping from Asia:

Once you settle on how to drive your LEDs with AC from your other thread, you can place an LED across a PTC so that it turns on when the PTC "trips".  This could serve as an overload or out-of-service indicator.  While the PTC is cooling down (before it self-resets) additional attempts to activate the accessory will light up the overload LED.

I'm very new to toy trains and found this thread to help answer my question obout a replacement for the 364c on/off switch. I read through the thread but it's still unclear to me what would be a good replacemnt. Can anyone help me out. It would be very helpful if a replacement could be found Lowes or Home Depot.

Any single pole on-off light switch would work.

Hardware stores have all kinds from $1 up, for desk lamps to house wiring use.

Just pick one that fits the size and space you have.

Thanks, ToyTrainYard.

A toggle from an auto supply store would work too. As long as it is rated about 5 amps or more you'll be fine; most are.

For signals and accessories I prefer the MTH and Lionel Track activation devices. I use both. The Lionel looks more realistic but the MTH can be found for less money.  I don't know how many amps they can control but certainly enough for block signals and crossing signals w sound.  Doubt if they could control a power hungry P/W solenoid operated device. Z products also makes an IR sensor but its only good for LED lighted devices as it is rated for only 25 ma. or 1/40 th amp.

I’m interested in this, because I’m just starting to sort through the miscellany of accessory tracks I’ve acquired.

I have a fairly limited understanding of the electronics side, and have settled on analogue controls (KW controller/transformer). 

I’d like to use bell-push type switches to operate uncoupling tracks and accessories (I have a tipping coal car, for one thing). I have a KW controller, so I have a separate power supply for accessories. 

I’d like to use resettable breakers for these accessories. 

I’m sure there is a well-known, stock answer and generic wiring diagram for this?