Two of the O22 switches I’m refreshing are missing one or more of these “rail bonders” on their underside. The switches that are missing several, are pre 1950 with the screw-in bulb. The later bayonet bulb style switches don’t have this piece at all.
Is this piece something Lionel discontinued on later style switches, and can I assume it’s unnecessary to use?
Thanks.... Tom
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I have never seen those on any 022 before. They look like a good idea, but not necessary I guess. I wouldn't worry too much about not having them on later switches.
Rod
They look like they're supposed to keep the tabs from slipping inward so the rails stay in place. You can probably get away without them. but if you really want to be safe, you could put some kind of wedge in there to hold them.
One of the ones on the left looks like it's already loose. You really don't want the rail to come loose once you have it in your layout.
Like Elliot says, they hold the rails down firmly, they're kinda like a washer on a nut. They do help keep the rails tight on the switch.
It's an extra level of security, but you will have the pin connceting with the adjacent track section holding the rail in place, so it's not really needed.
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