Fastrack switches

Wiggling the levers have a positive effect on 2 of the 4 switches...could the levers be an issue?

It now appears switches are binding....do you lubricate switches?

What voltage are you using?

Jan

Fastrack track switches do not require lubrication and, indeed, such could harm the electronics.

Are the switch lanterns brightly lit? Similarly are the remote controller indicator lights on and bright?

I've had those switches jam. In my case I had to rap the switch with the handle of a screwdriver to get it to switch again. I subsequently replaced the motor with pinion just to change something and it works now. The original pinion which looked just like the new one just fit in such a way not to slide under the rack screw and jam.

Jan posted:

What voltage are you using?

Jan

Using track voltage according to train speed...do they require a minimum voltage?

geysergazer posted:

Fastrack track switches do not require lubrication and, indeed, such could harm the electronics.

Are the switch lanterns brightly lit? Similarly are the remote controller indicator lights on and bright?

 

Brightly lit

The manual states they operate 5-18v

Mark

The question is:  what are you using for a transformer?

If it is the Lionel starter set wall pack - that is the problem. Not enough power.

cjack posted:

I've had those switches jam. In my case I had to rap the switch with the handle of a screwdriver to get it to switch again. I subsequently replaced the motor with pinion just to change something and it works now. The original pinion which looked just like the new one just fit in such a way not to slide under the rack screw and jam.

I had one Fastrack switch with this exact problem. It would work fine for awhile but then randomly jam (and of course it was the one switch under a mountain). Finally I was able to carefully remove, flip it over and remove the metal cover while it was jammed. I found the motor pinion teeth jammed on top of the rack teeth. I changed the plastic top bracket that clamps the motor in place and that fixed the problem.

Moonman posted:

The question is:  what are you using for a transformer?

If it is the Lionel starter set wall pack - that is the problem. Not enough power.

So, if I am using track power and am running train slow, that will be problematic.  I am using a zw.

texasspeciallionel posted:

Moonman posted:

The question is:  what are you using for a transformer?

If it is the Lionel starter set wall pack - that is the problem. Not enough power.

So, if I am using track power and am running train slow, that will be problematic.  I am using a zw.

yes, that is one possibility. Remove the engine from the track and push the throttle to 3/4 power and test the switches. The ZW is ok.

Did you make the lever (controller) connections to the switch?