lionel O22 switches.. any problems?

Like Marty says, as far as PW switches go, they're about the most bulletproof models.  Once you do a refurb to clean them up and adjust the contacts, they'll work forever.

I do not know what your switch needs are, but in my opinion the post war 711 is the finest switch Lionel ever made.  It has the bullet proof mechanism of the 022 but the smooth operation of 0-72 track.  The center rail gap is long and may give minor problems with 0-27 equipment.

im not over at the train room right now.i'll have to check the box number's when i get over their.

tnx the replies.

thop...

The 711 (and 721 manual) switches are prewar, not postwar. There were no postwar O72 switches. The manual version was 721, BTW.

Martin

I though the 711 switches with the steel rails and bent pins were pre war and the switches with the plastic frogs were post war.  I was thinking the switches were cataloged in 1950 with the 773 Hudson, which would run only on 072 track.  Due to remodeling of my house all my documents are in storage so I can not check this.

The 773 ran on regular O track (O-31). After the war, Lionel only made O-72 curved sections, in 1950 and then again from 1954 to 1958. No straights (14") nor switches were produced postwar. The 711s and 721s with the bent pins at the frog were the early production (starting in 1935), but were quickly replaced by the other design well before the war. Alan Stewart in Greenberg's guide to postwar Lionel accessories (Vol. VI) says of the 711 and 721: "Prewar product, but listed here because of heavy use by postwar operators."

Martin

How would one go about replairing a post war 022 switch?  I've got one with a bad motor (solenoid?).  Is this something I could probably switch out myself?  If so, where could I get the part?  And if I paid to have it done? Is it worth the cost, or would I essentially be payingthe same as for a new one?  Thanks.

IMO, I would not tackle the solenoid swap, you can get switch motors on eBay or in the forum for less than the part would cost.  I have swapped them, but it is not an that easy.  I've changed the contact plates and the like as well, but you have to have the rivets and tools to do the job properly.

Ditto what John says.

Just swap in a replacement switch motor plate complete. Two screws.

Anything else is not worth the hassle IMO.

Rod

Mike,

   Gunrunner is correct, and it is probably even easier to pick up another original Lionel used 022 switch, most times at the train shows they are readly available for little cost.  Remember however 022 switches limit which size engines and rolling stock you are able to fun on your layout.  I recommend old 711 or 072 swithces

for running a wider range of engines and rolling stock.

PCRR/Dave

Going to a larger radius and bigger engines and cars will have to wait until I win the lottery.  All my curves and switches are 031. My switch issue is with just 1 of 6 switches.  I get by today operating it manually. 

MichMikeM,

   I fully understand about having a limited monitary situation, please understand

I try just to advise and inform about our great hobby.  I really never look at cost most times, in that way each member can stay within his own budget and also has the best engineering information for making decissions for build his layout.   I never mean to offend, each member expends within his own budget, participating in our great hobby.

PCRR/Dave

No offense taken at all.  I appreciate the suggestions.  This is great forum and doesn't have any of the biting comments I see in a forum I frequent of a different hobby. 

I took your comment to be just a well intentioned suggestion.  My follow up was meant to just close the loop and explain my use of the smaller switch.