Relays for model railway systems
Reed switch relays
Online since: 31/07/2013,
Number of visits: 216728
1
Relays for model railways
There are many relay applications in a model railway system which are either triggered automatically or by the train. Model train manufacturers offer so-called circuit tracks, track switches or track contacts for this type of application, but those are very noticeable and seriously disrupt the overall appearance of the model railway display. They are also expensive and not very versatile in their use.Use of reed switches
A much more practical solution are so-called “reed switches”. They can be purchased in a variety of sizes and “switching currents”, which allows them to be used for almost any application, all common model train standards and track gauges. They are available from well-known electronics retailers for a few cents apiece.Camouflaging the reed switches
Reed switches have the big advantage that they are hardly noticeable once they are put in place. At the desired spot, I simply remove a sleeper and replace it with a reed switch. Before that, I solder the wires on and drill holes on both sides of the track to feed the switch cables through. Painting the reed switch matt brown and “gravelling” the track makes the change almost invisible.Magnets on the vehicles
There must be a small neodymium magnet located underneath the locomotive or one of the carriages to trigger the desired relay operation. It will activate the built-in reed switches as the train passes through. I attach the magnets with a two-component adhesive after lightly sanding and degreasing the respective surface areas. This ensures that the magnets hold without any issue.Magnets used
The type of magnet needed depends on where it is meant to be placed. In case there is no room underneath the locomotive or carriage, a stronger magnet can be mounted on the inside of the vehicle. Altogether, I used these magnets:Example of a barrier relay system
This barrier is also reliably controlled by reed switches. To ensure the booms close in plenty of time, the first switch is mounted far enough from the barrier. The second switch sits directly underneath the planks of the railway crossing and opens the barrier immediately after the train has passed through.My website
You can find more information and lots more pictures on my website mannis-n-bahn.de.
The entire content of this site is protected by copyright.
Copying the content or using it elsewhere is not permitted without explicit approval.
Copying the content or using it elsewhere is not permitted without explicit approval.