An issue with a pair of 022 switches

The issue is probably traction tire placement on the locomotive.  You may have to extend the non-derailing trip rail on the switch you are depending on for the incomplete throw.

Rob,

      The thing that I am not sure about is why when I use the controller the throw move quickly and completely, but when the engine hits the switch it is like it does not have enough power to complete the move.  I am feeding the two switches using the auxillary power plug that is connected to a MTH terminal block for my accessoires, which is connected to my terminals on me ZW.

       Kevin

Kevin:   As ROB said, check for the wheels and traction tires on the loco if this is one of the newer types.  Also, cleanliness of the track control rails and the wheels that are acting as momentary switches is of utmost importance. Clean the control rails and the axle treads of the wheels that contact the control rail and the opposing ground rail on the other side.

          More involved is the sliding contact on the inside of the switch motor. This contact most be clean on it's points and on the contact surfaces that it rides over until it leaves the contact and rests on the insulating surface next to the contact.  This circuit will provide the switch coils their electrical current while they touch the contact surface and then disconnect the coils that were active while setting up the opposing coils for the next control action.  The sliding contact with the points must have sufficient pressure to stay in touch with the contact surface, but not be so "Tight" as to cause unnecessary drag on the slide and impair the slides movement.  Cleaning and lubrication of all pivot points in the switch motor will help to minimize the resistance/ slowness of movement when the switch motor is activated.

         You did not state what the vintage of the switches were, or at what voltage you were powering them. The older O22 Lionel Corporation switches need a greater voltage than the more recently manufactured ones; and direct power to the switch motors will always ensure a more positive action when energized.  Hope this helps, Dennis M.

I agree with the previous post, you need 16-18 volts on some of the old switches to insure positive activation.

Hi,

   I am using original 022 switches and engines form the 60's.  I will look ito cleaning the items and beefing up the power  to the switches.

          thanks,

          Kevin

Is the accessory common tied to the track common?

Jim,

   Yes it is.  My goal is to have two trains running through those switches.  I have used the two plastic pins for each turn out as covered in the instructions.

    Kevin

Jim,

   The accessoy common is tied back to the U terminal on my ZW. 

          Kevin

there's been a lot of posts regarding repairing/servicing these switches. I have 6 of them, and with the help of forum members (and a classic magazine that had an article with photos) I found that taking them apart and doing the service is pretty easy. Mine now work flawlessly, snapping open/closed instead of a sluggish incomplete movement. I'd start with this process, if it isn't 100% of the current issue, they'll need the service eventually.