Q: You had a great tip about wiring a push-button switch to an old UCS track section, avoiding the original two-button controllers.
Since I have an O-27 layout, I tried this with one of my No. 6019 tracks. When I attached the button switch between the number 2 wire and the transformer, the uncoupling magnet worked fine.
However, I couldn’t figure out how to get the unloading control rails to operate. Running a wire between terminals 2 and 4 is supposed to work with UCS tracks, but not with my 6019s. I know there are some differences between the two tracks. Is there a way to get the push button to also operate the control rails on my layout? – John Gottcent, Evansville, Ind.
A: John, the O-27 No. 6019 section differs from the O gauge UCS track in that wires 3 and 4 are reversed. On the UCS, the terminal 3 wire may be hooked up into a fixed-voltage circuit. On the no. 6019, wire 4 has that function. Therefore, to make your requested modification, so that one button will control both the uncouple and unload functions simultaneously, you will need to connect wires 2 and 3 together, instead of wires 2 and 4.
Of course, having these two functions tied together might cause some operational problems on your pike. Lionel kept them separate for a reason.
I’m new to the CTC site – so this may be obvious to more experienced, but how about a link to the 2006 article? I was unable to “Find” it. Thanks
I am trying to use some 6019s with my Gargraves track and a TMCC layout. It looks like I will have to rewire them to get them to work. Any idea what problems I may have?
Paul