help with Command control fastrack switch lantern

Yep, the switches are apparently supplying excessive current to the LED's and cooking them.  The "cure" is to put a series resistor in when you replace the LED.  I'd probably pick something like a 330 ohm resistor.

The command control switches do NOT supply excessive current to the lantern LED.  I would look for a loose connection at the switch stand attachment screws where they connect to the switch body.  You ma need to remove the base plate from the switch.  

I thought I was told that they did Jon.  FWIW, I have replaced the LED's in four of the Lionel stock O72 command switches due to burnout, so they sure do something bad to the LED's!  The replacement LED's are still working, but I now have another of the original command O72 switches with a dead bulb.  If it's not excessive current, what is taking out the bulbs?  They're all powered on track voltage with PH180 bricks.

The remote control switches have higher current and the LED can fail, not the command control switches.   The OP has a command switch. 

All Lionel command control switches have a new part number.  I just bought 10 or so for our club and the lanterns are notably dimmer than the older switches I have at home.  Perhaps there was a modification to the circuit due to this very issue…  ??

I have removed the switch stand several times to check the workings, adjusted the copper connections to make sure they make contact. Guess I will have to get it repaired. But for now I can live with a soon to be dead bulb before I send it for repair. I won't investigate further as I probably would ruin the switch. I would buy another, but they are $$$$! 

SantaFeFan posted:

The remote control switches have higher current and the LED can fail, not the command control switches.   The OP has a command switch. 

Interesting, but mine are the actual command control switches, not the remote switches.  I guess the failures will remain a mystery for mine.