Lionel 711 Switches

Correct me if I'm wrong, but some of the earlier O72 remote switches may not have the non-derailing feature. Something to check for. I've worked over a variety of old Lionel switches and it's usually just a matter of cleaning off rust, cleaning and adjusting contacts and checking continuity of connections. It can be time consuming depending on the condition.

Baltimoretrainworks,

   Jerry my original 711's are still in perfect shape, however I purchased another used set that needed some work, most of the 072 Lionel switches have similar parts and engineering.  However there are some parts that are not really intechangable and these you might have to acquire off another 711 switch, or try to make yourself.

Although there are some internal parts of the 022 Lionel switch that can be interchanged, most of the parts are usless for repairing the 711's.   If the 711's are not in decent working order, I would pick up the 072 Lionel switches instead.

Parts for old 711's are getting harder and harder to find, however the controllers

from 022's and 072's also work the 711's.

PCRR/Dave

I think you guys are a little confused.  The switch motors for the 711s and 022s are identical and interchangeable.  The only moving part of a 711 that doesn't interchange with an 022 is the moving points.  Big deal.  If they haven't developed zinc disease by now, they probably never will.  I just bought seven 711 switches from eBay, and IMHO, they are far superior to the newer O-72 switches made in China.  I bought two of the Chinese made O-72 switches, and replaced the switch motors on each of them with earlier switch motors because I cannot modify the newer motors to my liking. I have some older switch motors which need some parts, so I will either sell the O-72 motors on eBay or part them out.