While I’ve had my trains for years and have set up an automated circuit using 1203 contacts on my switch motors and pencil reed switches, I’m not that savvy with all the best ways to do things basing my electrical skills off my equipment electronics knowledge. I am currently running DC voltage through those reeds because the switcm motors require that. I do realize that AC voltage is easier on the reeds and was curious if there is a way to change that. I’m not sure if I understand the LGB 1700 track contact either. Looking at an old LGB wiring diagram, it looks like they are powered up by the AC side of the transformer yet are controlling the switch motors so I assume the 1700 (and the new version) have a rectifier built into them. If that is the case, should I switch my DC system over to the LGB contacts and AC? While my current set up works well, I’ll have a reed occasionally give up the ghost on me and I assume it’s the DC frying the contacts. What is the minimum DC voltage I should be running through my system to ensure proper operation of my switch motors?
One last question for now,LOL, can I get by with 6” CTC tracks running on a double trestle at about 1/4 of a 10’ radius? I believe the normal recommendation is 7”. I can, as the two rails leave my basement, spread them slightly up to the 7” if needed on the trestle but prefer not to just for a better continuity of look. There will virtually never be two trains passing each other on the tres but I do know never to say never!
Sorry for all the questions but I figure it’s better to learn the right way the first time rather than waste time with the wrong way. Many of us have learned by doing things on our own and doing things wrong until we finally get it right. That’s the best thing about good forums, you can learn a ton and often skip a lot of the mistakes.