Lionel SD40-2E Snagging Switch Machines

@HiramO posted:

My layout has Ross switches with dz1000 machines. Performance has been flawless with forty or fifty different locomotives. I recently took delivery of a Lionel NS SD40-2E . I'm delighted with the loco, with one issue. I find that the snow plow on the loco snags my switch machines, stopping the loco. Has anyone else dealt with this? I assume I will be re-configuring the snow plow...

Jan

How is it snagging, could you shoot a photo

What is the exact Lionel product number?  If this is a Legacy model with the Kinematic pilot, I have those hitting my manual switch throws in my yard as the pilot swings on curves.

The Lionel number is 2433281. It appears the snow plow is catching the center guard rail of the switch; this happens on multiple switches...  I have lots of switches; might have to take the dremel tool out and grind the snow plow...

@HiramO posted:

The Lionel number is 2433281. It appears the snow plow is catching the center guard rail of the switch; this happens on multiple switches...  I have lots of switches; might have to take the dremel tool out and grind the snow plow...

If you have a dentist you are friendly with, ask hi for a piece of plastic they use to check how your teeth are meshing. It is paper thin but will mark anything it hits. Place on bottom of snowplow and let it mark the obstruction or place on switch and see what is really hitting on engine.

The picture shows what is catching...  the plow catches the guard rail by less than 1/16 inch. Stops the loco cold... Fascinating to me; the track has been fine for over 18 years. I suspect Lionel simply has cut the clearance too close.  I can fix the snow plow; I'm curious whether others experience the same issue. It's possible my loco is riding too low due to a defect...?

The late Jim Barrett helped us out by suggesting a track pin be inserted into the problem rail. I do it all the time and bend the pin down slightly to allow the plow to ride up on the rail instead of snagging it.

Brilliant, thank you, so obvious after you mention it!

The plow should not be so low as to catch the center rail, I think that's the first problem!  I have a number of diesels with the plows, none have ever snagged any rails!

I just got an Sd45 that is having a similar issue, coming straight through a switch it has no issues, but coming through the curve entry into a switch the pilot hits the switch machine. I have Ross switches with dz-1000 motors. My locomotive is SKU 2233131. Not sure how to fix if at all, I checked all the screws and everything is tight and there is little to no play in the pilot, it just appears to be to low.  I figured I might just have to return it.

Art,

   Looks to me like the snowplow is catching the lower right screw that holds the switch cover on. Remove it see if it helps you don’t need four screws to hold the switch cover on 3 will do. We had the same issue at our club except it was a steam engine.

JohnB

@JohnB posted:

Art,

   Looks to me like the snowplow is catching the lower right screw that holds the switch cover on. Remove it see if it helps you don’t need four screws to hold the switch cover on 3 will do. We had the same issue at our club except it was a steam engine.

JohnB

Thanks that is a good idea, only issue is that wouldn't fix all the switches. On one other switch coming from a different direction the engine hits the spring and arm.  Also, after hitting the screw in this photo the engine hits the little lights on the switch machine.

I'd have to move or adjust all my switch motors for this engine, which I feel I shouldn't have to do vs fixing the engine.

I'm going to check this am to see of the truck maybe is loose or something and not holding the engine high enough since it doesn't look like the pilot can be moved up at all.

The rear pilot is higher somehow and has no issues in reverse.

Art,

    You may want to use a level to see if the front of the engine is lower than the rear sort of like a dragster. If it is not level contact Lionel for a RA and let them fix it. Sorry I did not understand it was all your switches catching the plow.

JohnB

@JohnB posted:

Art,

    You may want to use a level to see if the front of the engine is lower than the rear sort of like a dragster. If it is not level contact Lionel for a RA and let them fix it. Sorry I did not understand it was all your switches catching the plow.

JohnB

Thanks that was a good idea.

Ok I checked, the locomotive is level and not lower in the front.  What I did notice is that, while the locomotive is level, the front pilot is lower than the rear pilot.  Again, there is very little play in the pilot so no clear way to tighten it or raise it up to increase clearance.  I think it is plastic, so I don't think I could bend it up without it breaking.

Art,

I would definitely give Lionel a call first before doing any surgery on the engine. Lionel is good with all their Legacy stuff and will either do a repair via an RA or give advice on adjusting your switches. It’s a brand new engine if you damage the plow you void your warranty. The call really will not cost you a thing.

JohnB