Hey all,
I have been having a problem with my 0-72 Realtrax switches and I need some assistance. Here is the problem that I have been facing: If I use more than 1 switch on a line, they simply don't work. If I want to switch one switch, the other will either short out or not work at all. I do not know if this means anything, but we use only a Z4000. All of the wiring is fine as well. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg
Happy Mothers Day
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It would help to see your track plan. These switches have anti-derail in them and I suspect that is the source of the problem.
If they are connected in certain ways you must isolate an outside rail between them.
The outlet rails always have one electrically floating outer rail in each set of 3 rails.
IF the track connected is touching this rail end it will ground out the floating rail and the switch will align to that direction. There should be a slight gap in the isolated rails. Trying to throw the switch the other way in this case makes it buzz and not move much.
Out of level track can cause this as can track with uneven rail ends.
The other possibility is cross wired power on a section of track. When you throw the switch to connect them it pulls down the transformer power. - Should pop a breaker though.
It would help to see your track plan. These switches have anti-derail in them and I suspect that is the source of the problem.
If they are connected in certain ways you must isolate an outside rail between them.
The outlet rails always have one electrically floating outer rail in each set of 3 rails.
IF the track connected is touching this rail end it will ground out the floating rail and the switch will align to that direction. There should be a slight gap in the isolated rails. Trying to throw the switch the other way in this case makes it buzz and not move much.
Out of level track can cause this as can track with uneven rail ends.
The other possibility is cross wired power on a section of track. When you throw the switch to connect them it pulls down the transformer power. - Should pop a breaker though.
Russell,
Thanks for the assistance! I am going to check my switches out and see if I could fix them.
Thanks so much,
Greg
Did you get them working?
Greg
Did you get them working?
Greg
Greg,
Unfortunately, I have been very busy with work/college stuff/etc. I plan on working on them this weekend. I think I will be able to fix them based on what Russell told me and what the switch manual tells me.
Greg
Done a lot of turnout repair and tune ups. Many time with big locos and lots of various lockon lights, the power getting to the switch motor is minimal and not enough to throw the turnout.
Try not using track power.... But a separate power supply. (booklet shows wiring)
THen, as above, make sure that the two inner rails of the outlet side are not touching anything. There should be a gap. (If you look at old Lionel Turnouts, you will see plastic rail pins-MTH should have done something like this)
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