TOMAR n-scale EOT device

[rogergperkins]

I model the caboose era, but have a string of CSX 50' boxcars, so decided to install an EOT device .
There is an error in the company label which says the battery holder is "AA".

The battery holder takes an N cell battery. Installation of the device requires drilling a hole in the car; I selected one of the MTL CSX 50' boxcars.
I drilled the hole, but found I did not have the correct diameter bit for a "#41" hole.  I use a small file to enlarge the whole so the device fits into the hole.
Instead of gluing the battery holder into the floor of the car, I cut a strip of SCOTCH Reclosable Fastener to fit in the floor of the car and mate piece to attach to the holder as flasher unit. 
SCOTCH Reclosable Fastener has a permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on the back of both parts and holds the unit firmly in place.

There is no on-off switch so removing the battery is the only way to turn off the EOT device.

[davefoxx]

You could cut in a slide or toggle switch that pierces the floor of the car, so you could hide the switch underneath and not have to remove the carbody to turn off the EOT.  There's also those switches that you could glue to the underside of the roof and use a magnetic "wand" to turn it on and off, again without removing the carbody.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[rogergperkins]

TOMAR is the one who should make this product more user friendly.
I know that Rapido has used a wand switch for their n-scale passenger car lights; it works very nicely.
I do not know if such a wand switch is available separately.
In the short term, it is no difficult to remove an MTL boxcar body shell and take out the battery.

The EOT device is nice and adds a special aspect to the train. 

[peteski]

TOMAR is the one who should make this product more user friendly.

Maybe you should contact Tomar and give them your opinion?  If they don't get feedback on their product, they won't have a good reason to change or improve it. 

[Bob Horn]

I have several in use. The instructions and the outer package wrap both state " N battery holder or N cell". I have used the Circuitron RS-2 in the power feed to the board and ANY magnet to operate the switch. Works like a champ. Bob.

[Ian MacMillan]

I know that Rapido has used a wand switch for their n-scale passenger car lights; it works very nicely.
I do not know if such a wand switch is available separately.

Rapido uses a magnetic reed switch in their cars. You can pick these up pretty cheap from Digikey or eBay. Its a very easy straight forward install.

[peteski]

Personally I would prefer a track powered circuit (with a super cap so it continues to flash over dirty track.). Never have to turn it off or change batteries (or worry about forgetting to turn it off).   Yes, I would have to clean the car's wheels from time to time, but wheel cleaning is a regular maintenance task, so what's one more car to clean.

[rogergperkins]

Please note, I scanned and added the subject label.
I rather like the fact this is battery powered instead of drawing current from the track.

Thank you for the source lead for reed switches like those used by Rapido.

I do plan to write to Tomar about the labeling error.

[peteski]

Please note, I scanned and added the subject label.
I rather like the fact this is battery powered instead of drawing current from the track.

Thank you for the source lead for reed switches like those used by Rapido.

I do plan to write to Tomar about the labeling error.

Roger,
since I doubt that Tomar employees read this forum, it might still be beneficial to let them know about the error on the packaging (AA vs. N).

 I'm also curious what properties of a battery powered circuit make you prefer it over a track powered device (with a super-cap, which would allow it to flash for some time even with no track power available).  I had accidentally left battery powered devices enough times (to the point that the battery leaked its electrolyte, making a mess) to seek battery-free circuits.

[rogergperkins]

I mailed a letter to Tomar Industries on 8 Feb. 2013 including a copy of the label.   
I also mentioned an on-off switch would be very much appreciated.

I searched for the Digikey reed switches, however, could not determine which size or if I could get a limited number of them. [I suspect that Tomar passenger train drumheads do not have an on-off switch, so if I get them I would need to add the reed switch.]

I concur that batteries do have some downsizes including leaking. 
My experience to date with track current powered lighting is not satisfactory, i.e. installed in passenger cars.
The Rapido battery system in passenger cars has been satisfactory in the 15 or so cars I did.

[peteski]

Standard plain reed switch will not work for you. It only stays closed for as long as there is magnetic field.  You'll need some sort of a latching reed switch. I never looked for these but obviously they must exist.

[DKS]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Latching-Reed-Switches-lot-of-ten-10-/230914656102?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item35c3960766

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Accurate-Lighting-Latching-on-off-Reed-switch-1-2-x-10-Max-0-5A-144-62014-/390529510096?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item5aed5f6ad0