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One of my switches was causing derailing intermittently. Finally, I discovered one of the switching blades was cracked and the control rod would no longer throw it. See the pics below. To add insult to injury, it was a switch I recently converted from manual to command/control as described in another string by GunrunnerJohn. The conversion was a breeze and is in no way connected to this issue.  It appears to me the only way to 'fix' this issue is to replace the blade, unless someone has a better solution. If replacing the blade is even doable, any suggestions where I might find the part?  

Thanks,

 

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ED,

   Got to admit that is the 1st time I have seen this kind of failure with a FasTrack Switch, maybe you damaged it in some manner while adding the command control to her.  As Guns says hit Lionel up for the part, if they will sell it to you.  If you have another FasTrack switch not in use, you could probably swipe it from that other switch also.

PCRR/Dave

PUFFRBELLY posted:

What's up with "Fastback"?   Isn't that something you get from a hog? Oh, sorry, that's Fatback. Really, is it Fastback or Fastrack? This kind of stuff makes the people in my head want to start a party and not invite me.  Oh well......

Chief Bob (Retired)

Chief,

Say hello to all your "head friends" and apologize to them for my "fat fingers".  The key board on an iPhone is unforgiving, then add autocorrect and interesting things happen. Maybe if you brought some libations and used the password "Fastrack" they would invite you. Just saying. 

 

 

 

Howdy Ed,

 

Yep, I got larger than normal fingers too and that's why I DON'T use my Android phone to send message.  As far as spell checker goes, I'm here to tell ya my android smart phone is waaaay smarter than I would like it to be and sometime it likes to play tricks on me, (I think it get it's information from the voices in my head).   Heck, I even have a tough time using the key board and my desk top machine.  I'll be sure to tell the folks in my head about your apology later cause right now they are tellin' me to do something that involves my wife's hair dryer and a bath tub full of water.  Now.... where's that drain plug????

Chief Bob (Retired)

Don't let them convince you to fix the dryer in the tub BEFORE you pull the plug, or, you'll have your plug pulled.   I had a great laugh when you pointed out "Fastback"....funny how you see what you want to see when you type and read. I guess we're getting old and our brains are lazy!  Good luck with your wife's hair dryer.

 

ToledoEd posted:
Moonman posted:

While you do need a swivel rail link, it appears the point is the broken off the "swivel-rail". That is only available as part of the switch base.

What size switch is this one?

The switch is O-72.

Why I asked: Here is a forum member with a grab bag (1st item) with an 072 left switch base. You might be able to make a deal.  I think a new base was $22 + shipping from North Lima on the Lionel Parts site.

 

Carl,

   Now you are seeing why I advised him to cannibalize another FT switch, if he has one he is not using, later he can order some new parts.  Probably take a while to get them.

Maybe if he is lucky Lionel will replace the original switch for him.  Like I indicated before, I have been running FasTrack for a long time now, and never saw a FT Switch fail like this one has.

ED, is this a newer FasTrack Switch or did you purchase this back when they 1st came out?  My understanding is that all the next generation FT Switches will be Command Control, however I am interested in knowing how old your failed switch happens to be.

PCRR/Dave

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad
Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Carl,

   Now you are seeing why I advised him to cannibalize another FT switch, if he has one he is not using, later he can order some new parts.  Probably take a while to get them.

Maybe if he is lucky Lionel will replace the original switch for him.  Like I indicated before, I have been running FasTrack for a long time now, and never saw a FT Switch fail like this one has.

ED, is this a newer FasTrack Switch or did you purchase this back when they 1st came out?  My understanding is that all the next generation FT Switches will be Command Control, however I am interested in knowing how old your failed switch happens to be.

PCRR/Dave

Not sure, but I think I bought it over 4 years ago  

 

 

 

 

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