LionChief+ Rectifier picking 072 switches

Bruce here is a video for the fix for the O72 switches.

I lean toward the switch points being the issue as described in the video Chessie1971 posted.  My guess is that the motor is pressing more weight over one truck than the other and the heavier side of the engine is want to keep moving in the direction it is going.  If it turns out the switch is not the issue, however, it may be that the wires from the truck pick-ups are binding somewhere and limiting the movement of the truck.  I've seen this on some other older engines, but not so far on any LC/+.  

JGL

We commonly see this issue with Lionchief products at the store where I do the repairs. When the drive wheels are out of tolerance on their gauge (too much spread), the flanges will pick the switches. Often the wheels are not pressed all the way on at the factory. Sometimes, the wheels actually fall right off, straight out of the box.

Thanks for the comments! I will check to see if there is any gap on the fast track switches as discussed in the video.

Will also check to make sure the wiring is not causing any binding to occur.

As none of my other 6 engines are exhibiting this behavior, how do I test to make sure the wheels on the Rectifier engine have been pressed to the correct position onto the axle?

There must be a flange-to-flange tolerance that can be checked?

Thanks very much!!

Bruce

Check a few of the "good" engines to get an average and use that to compare to the troublesome engine. I have only experienced that problem with pilot trucks on steamers. New engine, so it could exist. If I recall, inside flange to flange should be around 1.06"-1.12". It was a too close state on mine.

I'll mic my troublesome engine if you need it.