I was wonderin your thoughts on Lionel 1122E vs the newer 5122's switches I want to use 027 Lionel tubeular track (old style) and need switches .. as long as they connect to the 027 track I really don't ccare want brand just GREAT operation Thanks for your thoughts ...DANiel
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The 1122's are much better then the 5122's. The 5122's are mainly cheap trash thrown together.
Another solution is to use Gargraves switches and use adapter pins for 027 track as the Gragraves switch works better and lets more go through due to better clearence as no switch housing gets in your way because the switch motor is mounted on the side similar to an H.O. switch.
Lee Fritz
Hi, I think that the BEST switches for 027 track are the K-line, low profile switches. Unfortunately they're not made anymore, but if you can find them, they are great. 1122E's are very good, I like them better than the 5122's myself. They have lighted switch lamps and that, to me, is a better set up than the modern ones, IMO.
Thanks ! I going with the 1122 becuase of the tight track plan ..thank-you again DANiel
I just researched the 1122 I am concerned about the overloading coil if parked on top of them ... I plan to of rewire them for constant voltage.. Is there another way to modify them so that will not happen I am and was used to Super O switches that Never had that problem with constant voltage thanks again for the info..DAniel
The 1122 switches can be modified for fixed voltage input for more reliable operation. It's a bit of a chore, best to take the bottom cover plate off.
I have also set them up with capacitor discharge power supply to limit their power consumption but this has some limitations depending on the track plan because the capacitor needs some time to recharge before a train crosses the switch again.
I have sometimes used O22 switches (O31 curves) with O27 track because they have a superior design with cutoff contacts for the non-derailing feature. Consider doing this if you can spare a little extra space in your track plan. The curved track of O22's can be shorted to a 30° arc and O27 curve substituted if your space is really tight - I've done this on a current temporary layout.
Some previous discussion of non-derailing O27 switches here:
Thanks Ace! That's definitely a PLAN B ! (and a good back -up for me!) I posted on the reg forum hoping some one ever modified a 1122 ...DANiel
I use resistors in my capacitor system. I started with a light bulb, but went with resistors because they produce a faster recharge. My switches can be flipped in under two seconds. And no buzz.
Roger