Help with FasTrack Switch Question.

There was a recent article about repairing the FasTrack 072 switch in either OGR or CTT, I forget which one, but that may show the rod you are asking about.

STart here:

wiring diagram

Is it the slide bar as shown here...Part #42? The diagram may give you an idea where it goes:

Parts Diagram


Hope this helps

quote:

Originally posted by coach joe:
There was a recent article about repairing the FasTrack 072 switch in either OGR or CTT, I forget which one, but that may show the rod you are asking about.

It was a couple issues back in CTT

Gromet, in the Lionel parts breakdown it lists the rod as a "lantern control rod". I remember the same thing happening to me and what I did is open another of my Fastrack switches to see where the placement went. Hope this helps. There is no mention of it in the instruction manual.

TEX
Steve

The little rod serves no purpose. It is cosmetic...to make it look real. Looking down at your switch stand, the rod goes in the groove. You will see little holes that it goes into. I had one fall out and I put it back in with small needle-nose pliers.

Gentlemen,
Would be nice if somebody took a picture and visually showed him where the rod went, would like to see myself.
PCRR/Dave

I would but I'm not home that's why I posted the Lionel links

I'll do it later if it isn't done before I get home

ER,
Thank you sir very much, looks like I will evdentually add some FasTrack switches to my next layout. Is there any thing else about these switches
that I will need to know. Also can you advise me as to if the FasTrack switches will accommodate my Tin Plate Engines and Rolling stock. I use the old Lionel 072 switches right now, they work very well for me, but take a lot of power and need to be individually powered to work correctly all the time.
PCRR/Dave

PCRR/Dave,

The Fastrack will run your stuff just fine. They are smooooooth.
I've had mine for almost 5 years now with no problems whatsoever.
I power them separately from track power.

Even when I had them powered with track power, they worked just fine and didn't seem to draw much.

I've run pre war tin plate up through modern equipment on my Fastrack layout with no issues.

quote:

Thank you sir very much, looks like I will evdentually add some FasTrack switches to my next layout. Is there any thing else about these switches
that I will need to know. Also can you advise me as to if the FasTrack switches will accommodate my Tin Plate Engines and Rolling stock. I use the old Lionel 072 switches right now, they work very well for me, but take a lot of power and need to be individually powered to work correctly all the time.
PCRR/Dave

Hi Dave, I also have had my Fastrack switches in operation for about 5 years now with no problems other than one of the Lantern LED's went out and Lionel sent me a replacement. Part was very easy to replace. I wouldn't worry about the metal wire either, like Keith mentioned it switches operate just fine without it.

The switches are smooth and snap over very fast. I also use a separate power source for powering the switches, it just makes sense to have the required power to them at all times, especially for the non-derailing feature. I don't see any problem with running your O gauge tinplate trains. I have the Lionel blue and orange set and have had no problems with running through the switches. Hope this helps you.

TEX
Steve

quote:

Originally posted by Pine Creek Railroad:
Gentlemen,
Would be nice if somebody took a picture and visually showed him where the rod went, would like to see myself.
PCRR/Dave

Sure, here you go. I used a piece of red wire as a pointer. You can see the piece of metal goes from under the switch lantern to under the first rail..

The 72 switches are the only ones I have with this detail. Glad to know it's cosmetic only. I had wondered occasionally about those wires.

C