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How to Wire a Model Train Standard Switch Remote

Wiring a remote track switch or turnout on a model railroad is a straight-forward project, though the sheer number of turnouts on even a medium-sized layout can make the endeavor seem daunting. Many model railroaders use hand-thrown turnouts for freight yards and sidings within easy reach. But you̵7;re bound to have a few turnouts in distant corners that need to be thrown remotely, and you can̵7;t beat the realism, or the coolness factor, if they̵7;re all thrown using a remote track switch.

Things You'll Need

Momentary Single Pole, Double Throw electrical switch
Track switch (turnout)
22-gauge wire

Instructions

- 1
  Run one wire from the center connection of the turnout solenioid machine to the AC power source on your transformer.
- 2
  Wire one outside connector on the solenoid to one pole of your momentary SPDT switch. Wire the second connector to the opposite pole. The website Building Your Model Railroad, shows an electrical diagram of these connections (See Ref. 1).
- 3
  Connect the center connection of the SPDT switch back to the AC power source.
- 4
  Place several remote switches in one location on your control panel by wiring the circuit in parallel. You run the common wire from solenoid to solenoid, and finally to the power source. You run the second wire from the power source to the the center connection of he SPDT switch, and from there to the center connection of the next switch.
- 5
  Use the same type of circuit, but slightly different wiring, if you use the standard SPDT switches that come with the popular Atlas turnouts. The Building Your Model Railroad website shows a diagram for these switches (See Ref. 2). Run the wires from your power source to the switch connectors on one end. Of the three center connectors, the outside connections are wired to the outside connectors of the solenoid machine to control the direction the solenoid throws the turnout. The center connection is for the common return.

Model Railroads