LGB Switch operated with 12 volts DC

I had a friend ask if the LGB 1202 switch machines have to be operated off AC current? So I made this video to show him what I did and how I made my LGB switches run off 12 to 14 volts DC.
Music Credits:
Catch Up By: Dan Lebowitz
Barnyard SurpriseBy: The Whole Other

[@viethuynhmusizka4635]

I have watched and watched over again,it’s still fun to see the video again 😂

[@kentshove1072]

Thank you built this switch configuration and it works perfectly.

[@eschnitger]

I use a computer power supply, Double pole double throw switch, and a momentary single contact button. I have the switch to show the orientation of the turnout.

[@gardenrailroading]

Morning Eugene, Sorry I am so late in responding, some how I did not see your response. Very ingenious to use a computer power supply. I use a few parts from old computers, in my green house I have used a half dozen computer cooling fans, a solar panel and battery to run the fans to keep my green house cooler.

[@ShadowVFX]

Very helpful. I actually live in Mukilteo, so I'm not too far from you. I'm going to be setting up my first garden railway here in the next few months and am learning as much as I can. I had a ceiling train layout for years, but going out into the garden generates a whole new set of parameters to know about.
One thing you mentioned in your video is having a switchboard so you know what direction the switches are. Could you elaborate on this? Do you have a video showing this?

[@gardenrailroading]

We are not that far apart, I know a lot of people from that area. If you need/want any help let me know. Are you going track power or dead rail?

[@ShadowVFX]

@@gardenrailroading Track power for now. My Dad and I used to have a ceiling train layout at his house, but he took it down about 5 years ago. Everything has been sitting in his garage (in California) since. I think I'm going through a mid-life crisis and decided to have him bring up the train stuff (in parts) during his visits. Eventually I will have enough track and other things to get started. My hope is to maybe start doing some of the landscape work in Oct/Nov, but I've got a special needs toddler and a newborn in the house, so I'm probably kidding myself if I think I can stick to any kind of planned schedule. Ha ha ha.

[@gardenrailroading]

@@ShadowVFX Cool that you and your Dad had a ceiling train, we have a ceiling train in what was my Mother in-laws room. It is the only track power we have, we are mostly dead rail. Where in California is your dad, I grew up in Santa Ana/Garden Grove area. That was in the 60's. Been up here since 72. I have known a couple of special needs young adults that are in to G scale trains, it can be a good distraction for them at times.

[@ShadowVFX]

@@gardenrailroading My Dad lives in Fresno. But he spent his younger days in Long Beach. I've been up in Washington since 2003.

[@adocars]

I'd like to know more about the solar arrangement

[@gardenrailroading]

Hi Wes, I will be gone for a few weeks but I will try to post more on Solar soon.

[@hectorgill328]

Like to see anything logging related and SHAY locomotives.

[@gardenrailroading]

Thanks, I will work on some for videos.

[@MB-qj8yo]

Hi sir, i’ve watched this several times now. I’m trying to do this crossover trick to the USAtrains no6 electrical turnout. It has two solenoids instead of the LGB motorised one. Do you have a website or some way of reaching you so I can show you. And maybe get some advice?

[@gardenrailroading]

Hi, My name is Mark Howe. My email is [e-mail]

[@geneholmerud5819]

Does the momentary contact requirement apply to PIKO switch machines as well as LGB? I've seen the included springs, so I assume that once thrown electrically the points will remain in place without further power being applied.

[@gardenrailroading]

I am not sure, I have never had the pleasure of using a PIKO switch machine. will have to do some research! Thank You!

[@hectorgill328]

Hello Mark, I'm new to your channel. I'm new to g scale just received my first train set two days ago. Can u give us some information about your skeleton log cars. Thanks again.

[@gardenrailroading]

Hello KSM M8, The log cars are a mix of LGB and Aristocraft. I did not like the fake log loads and I had to remove some young Cedar trees that were growing on my power line right-of-way. So I used sections of the cedars for the loads, they are heavy but not as heavy as fir. To secure them I used chain from "Shipwreck beads" that looked about right and I cut pieces of paper clips to secure the chains together. My problem right now is that I used a very short rubber band to keep the chains tight and they are failing. A friend recommended using springs, like those from old ink pens, under the loads to hold the chains tight. If I get a chance I will do a video on that correction. Thanks for subscribing and if you have any suggestions for videos, please let me know. Thanks again and see you down the rails.

[@markh7306]

Can you add an indicator light to the control panel, to show which way the turnout is set?

[@gardenrailroading]

Possibly, however it would most likely have to be done with relays as the power throw is only momentary.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Would they work on 'sunset Valley' switches ????

[@gardenrailroading]

Hello River Glades, Yes, I have some of Pete's (Sunset Valleys) switches and they work well on them.

[@ShadowVFX]

One more question: If I wanted to power multiple switches, do I gang the negative DC lead to the positive on the next switch and continue down the line until I reach the last switch?

[@gardenrailroading]

Hi Suko, You would want to use a Parallel circuit. Let me know if you have problems.

[@ShadowVFX]

@@gardenrailroading Ah. I was hoping to save some wire by chaining in series to provide switch power to avoid needing lots of cabling running everywhere.

[@plorzing]

Just found your channel. Great stuff. I am adding LGB 19902 on an indoor layout and had a follow-up question on wiring LGB 12000/12100. I will manually throw (for now), but do you have to block wire/insulate any of the track for this to work? For example, if one train is parked on that siding, how do you wire the main line and the switch?

[@gardenrailroading]

Hi Pat, I run deadrail so I do not really wire any tracks. However the switches are always wired separately from the rails. Where are you located, we are near Seattle WA.

[@plorzing]

@@gardenrailroading I'm in Northern VA

[@gardenrailroading]

@@plorzing There should be a Garden Railway club near you and I'm sure some of them must do track powered layouts. If you cannot find someone to help, I will see what I can find in our club to help with your question.

[@plorzing]

@@gardenrailroading Thank you!

[@peterwadeck]

Does the rain damage the switch? The screws are open to the air.

[@gardenrailroading]

Hi Peter, the short answer is yes. However if you protect the contacts with a conductive grease or other protection then it will be a little better. No matter what you use to protect the terminals they will eventually go bad so you need to clean them maybe once a year.

[@peterwadeck]

@@gardenrailroadingfyi Piko sells a switch with better insulation. All openings are sealed in rubber.

[@StanGauge]

Hi, love your video's. One question, can an LGB switch work with 16 volts?

[@gardenrailroading]

Hi Stan, I'm not sure if the LGB switch machine will work with 16 volts, never tried it.

[@bello82]

Hi Stan, it can have 16 volts; 17 volts is the max. @@gardenrailroading