(DIR) Return Create A Forum - Home --------------------------------------------------------- Lionel Trains (HTM) https://lioneltrains.createaforum.com --------------------------------------------------------- ***************************************************** (DIR) Return to: Power & Control ***************************************************** #Post#: 1764-------------------------------------------------- Push button timers to control how long the trains run. By: Dman1111 Date: December 6, 2017, 5:10 pm --------------------------------------------------------- Hello everyone, I am turning to this forum in hopes of getting some help before Christmas time. I have a completely enclosed in plexiglass outdoor model railroad Christmas display.I have run 5 trains and a trolly for the last two winters outdoors.They run anywhere from 4-5 hours a night with only minor problems. But the constant running of the engines for an extensive amount of time per night has caused some engine breakdowns. My solution to this would be to install some sort of push button controls with timers that would allow the kids to walk up and push a doorbell type button and allow the trains to run for a set period of time. Any help with this topic would be great. Trying to get it retrofitted to put out for Christmas. Thank you looking forward to any help. #Post#: 1766-------------------------------------------------- Re: Push button timers to control how long the trains run. By: TrainLarry Date: December 7, 2017, 2:24 pm --------------------------------------------------------- Here is a remotely controlled power strip with a wireless remote: (HTM) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q9EFUK/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B001Q9EFUK&pd_rd_wg=1Nmie&pd_rd_r=0TQHXZ7RR47DJAKKE4Y5&pd_rd_w=oeXU2 You can mount the remote behind a panel with straps, and have a slot in the panel for your guests to push the button to start it. Here is a programmable AC timer to plug into the above remote: (HTM) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008999S3O/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza The timer looks to have a manual 'on' switch, in which case you would not need the above remote. Larry #Post#: 1769-------------------------------------------------- Re: Push button timers to control how long the trains run. By: Dman1111 Date: December 7, 2017, 6:08 pm --------------------------------------------------------- Larry, Thank you for getting back to me. I like that Idea and I have a couple of those Remote switches. But I'm looking for a more permanent solution. I want to use some kind of Momentary contact switches that will trigger a relay and countdown timer. Controlling the amount of time that the trains will run. I would need to buy to many of the larger timers and remote outlets to do it the other way. But I like your idea! If all else fails that will be my backup plan. Thank you for the help and the links Larry. #Post#: 1773-------------------------------------------------- Re: Push button timers to control how long the trains run. By: TrainLarry Date: December 8, 2017, 11:23 am --------------------------------------------------------- This unit looks to be more of what you are looking for. Adjustable timer with an external push-button trigger. (HTM) https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/EK320A.html Here is the manual for it. You need the MRT16-PB unit on the left. (HTM) https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Elkay/EK320A.pdf Larry *****************************************************