Hello,
I need some help, I'm having problems with my Lionel O gauge switches. The engines and cars are jumping the tracks and bouncing all around when going over the switch. I was reading someplace else that the points need to be filed and the frog needs to be deepened some so the wheels don't ride up. Does anyone have examples of what they have done to correct this?
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There’s nothing you can do to the switches. They are just very rough on engines. When I used them, rolling stock was not an issue. The huge flanged wheels have no place to go except bounce over the switch. You may want to look into Ross tinplate type if the Lionel type drive you nuts.
What vintage trains are you running? The O-Line Reproductions switches (formerly RMT, formerly K-Line) are smooth as can be with just about anything that you want to run, from prewar trains with the deep flanges all the way to the modern equipment. The only problem is they're out of production and getting harder to find.
I have four O72 O-Line switch tracks. With shorter locos and traction tires, I was having issues with the right hand switch track. Regular locos like a GP-7 run well through them. The switch tracks operate great and do look good.
The issue with the RH O72 switches is easily corrected with a strip of electrical tape over the entire curved lead. There should be a gap between this rail and the frog, but there isn't, which causes shorting when locos run through it. Fortunately, the electrical tape fix does the trick. I have done this on all my RH switches and it has solved all shorting issues.
BlueComet400 posted:What vintage trains are you running? The O-Line Reproductions switches (formerly RMT, formerly K-Line) are smooth as can be with just about anything that you want to run, from prewar trains with the deep flanges all the way to the modern equipment. The only problem is they're out of production and getting harder to find.
I guess they are in stock and ready to ship. I just bought 2 a few weeks ago. And I have them.
Some places still have them, but it's my understanding no more production. I spoke w/ a rep from Heartland Hobby Wholesale at the Big E and he said they have no more of the OLR O-72 switches.
Gentlemen,
If you can get your hands on the original K-Line SS Switches, they were some of the best low voltage switches ever made, good luck trying to purchase them however. Those that still have them, seldom if ever give them up.
PCRR/Dave
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