I could use some help tracking down turnout control buttons and lights. Here is my situation: I'm using Kato n-scale Unitrack, both #4 and #6 turnouts. Originally I was planning on using NCE Switchkats to control them. They have a provision for wiring in fascia mounted manual control momentary switches and indicator lights. After reading this recent thread, http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?140693-DS64-and-Kato-Turnouts, An SRC16 and a DS64 should cover all of my potential needs on this small layout. This still leaves me with the problem of finding manual control switches and lights though. I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction to find a way to control these turnouts manually. Ideally I hope to find a clear momentary toggle switch with red and green LEDs built in to indicate turnout direction. I say this because the more compact the overall controls are, the better. The layout is sectional and I intend to move it around with me as I will be graduating college and plan on probably having to move frequently to get enough experience to land a permanent job. Additionally, my layout is going to be based on a prototype town, and I may either donate or atleast display the layout in that town's restored passenger depot during special occasions when it is closer to completion. However, I'm willing to see what is out there that is reasonably priced, works, and looks good. Even a list of manufacturers (so you can post links) who make this sort of stuff would be a good start. So far I found Miniatronic's SPST pushbuttons.
Radio Shack All Electronics Mouser Electrical supply. Big electronics supply house. I mean HUGE. I also have their paper catalog. Excellent reading material in the bathroom. Makes a Sears catalog seem tiny. Google all three. Rich Rich
Thanks for the reply Rich. At Mouser,I think I found what I'm looking for, with a $23/ea. price tag... yipes. Also I'm a little unclear on what kind of current a DCC system will put out compared to what these switches are rated at. I know they have a higher amp rating than my Digitrax booster, but without the volts to make up for it, they may not light at all? http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...=sGAEpiMZZMtNT9UGfLL4eLap+Yp2FX4G4Zaw3mj+0tw=.
The part number you have selected is for a 28 volt light- You can get these switches in a 12 or 18 volt bulb too. Do a data search that is listed on the manufacture. DCC systems put out about 14 volts (AC)
I use these (pushbutton with dual color indicator LED): http://www.citrelay.com/Catalog%20pages/Switches/CL1200%20Series%20Catalog.pdf Model CL1200B22RG. About $2.60 each in small quantities. They sell direct with a $50 minimum order. Call your friends.
----I have been looking for the same switch and I found them in Russia at chip dip http://www.chipdip.ru/product/ps001-n11nawurug.aspx I got 20 of them and had them hand carried over with a friend they were about 75 bucks. I too have been searching for YEARS for these before I found them. The only other cheap answer I can give you and I have done this is convert a red Radio Shack Push button switch by tearing it apart and installing a R-G LED in it--- You cut off the top and go to a plastic store and get a clear button top and glue it on after the install. I really wish you well on this one. Good luck Alan C.
Thanks everyone for the guidance. Some unforseeable car maintenance virtually eliminated my slushfund for the time being. I'm rethinking my plan of attack in the interim, and I think one red and one green illuminated momentary pushbutton per switch is just going to be easier to find and build.
