To make the 154 work the "old school" way, but not using a 154C, put a piece of black tape about 1-1/2" long on a regular outside rail, cut 2 thin strips of brass about 1/4" wide, 2" long. Bend the brass strips over the tape-covered rail, so the long part extends outward. (solder wires to the strips first, so the tape is not melted). Connect the 2 wires plus one from the center rail to appropriate 1,2,3 terminals on the 154. I usually attach the strips to the inside rail on a curve, so inertia of the train prevents the bump of going over the strips. I do the same but with a single strip for a 069 / 69 prewar ringer. This gives a more-pleasant Ding-ding, than a constant ring like a doorbell.
If anyone is interested, I will post pictures.