Wiring 6-2324 Switch Tower to Fastrack

Isn’t that what you want it to do?  The tower stays lit and the man runs down the stairs when the train comes.  It is the same as the postwar 445.

Dan,

Well yeah, exactly, but it took me some time to get there.  I can't remember the wiring configuration but I thought I was successful when I wired it so the guy would come down the stairs but the light went off.  I thought it was just crappy old equipment (the switch tower has been in a box in a garage for 40 years).  But I recalled with a 153c the light didn't go off, so I played around with the wires some more and finally found the right combination.

I'm just trying to make it easier for the next doofus like me.

Thanks for the reply.

Andy

The tower has two circuits: one is the lamp, which has its own (hot) power terminal, and returns through the common connection. The other circuit is the operating guy coming down the stairs. that also has its own hot lead, returning through the common terminal. A 153C is not the correct contactor, but it will work. if you have tried to use a 153C or the correct 145C, and the adjustment drives you crazy (a common complaint) then just use an insulated rail to activate the guys and wire the lamp to stay on constantly.

The wiring using an insulated rail is similar in concept, but slightly different in execution. You can search this forum for an explanation.

@texgeekboy posted:

Dan,

Well yeah, exactly, but it took me some time to get there.  I can't remember the wiring configuration but I thought I was successful when I wired it so the guy would come down the stairs but the light went off.  I thought it was just crappy old equipment (the switch tower has been in a box in a garage for 40 years).  But I recalled with a 153c the light didn't go off, so I played around with the wires some more and finally found the right combination.

I'm just trying to make it easier for the next doofus like me.

Thanks for the reply.

Andy

Good.  I was wondering what else you wanted it to do.

Arthur,

I recall the insulated track.  I pulled some old rusty ones out of my box, but tossed them.  I couldn't recall what they were used for (40 years does that).  I found that the fastrack is so much easier, for me anyway.  You just got to be willing to spend some bucks.

Sorry to resurrect this somewhat old thread, but it is the basis for my current question.  The switch tower works fine (light is always on and guy comes down when the train passes).  Since the light is always on I figured I could jumper the two power wires to go to a nearby 450 signal bridge.  I can't seem to get that to work.  Which wires coming from the pigtail power cable should I use?  I guessed the red and black, since I recall white is optional, but couldn't get that to go.  Do I use one wire and connect the 450 ground wire to something in the tower?