SOLVED 12-5-17 MTH Scaletrax Switch Blocks getting hung up

I am not familiar with the term "switch blocks".  But if you're refering to switch machines, then my next question would be, "Are these the newer turnouts or older stock?".   ScaleTrax users have warned that the former switch machines are prone to getting stuck or burning out, but the newer turnouts reportedly have improved mechanisms.

Regardless, my plan is to ditch the stock MTH switch machines in favor of Tortoise switch machines on my new layout to be built in 2017.

David

David,

These are older stock.  The problem was the toggle switches getting stuck and burning up the switch machine (or switch block as identified in the MTH manual).  So I have replaced all of the toggles with some ones the CSX AL recommended to me some time ago.

I was not aware there was a problem with the switch machine itself.   I have quite a few track switches, so migrating to another switch system is not cost effective for me.

Ron

Ron045 posted:

I wired some of my switches so I can throw them from a control panel.  I have replaced all of the stock toggles with DPDT Mom. On toggles.  I am still using the stock switch blocks connected to the track.  I have wired three switches so far.

#1 works perfectly all the time.

#2 works intermittently and sometimes gets stuck.

#3 does not work.  I can hear it buzz but nothing moves.  Sometimes if the Z4000 breaker for the 14V output will pop.  I can switch it manually without a struggle.

All are wired identically.  Can I put some oil on the solenoids or other moving parts?  Will that help or hurt?

Any other thoughts?

Thanks! Ron

 

Ron,

  Your right it was the toggle switch getting stuck causing the switch machine to burn up, there is no problem with the switch machine itself. 

It sounds like a bad switch machine.  I would move the good working one (#1) to the ones that don't work.  If it works, this will rule out wiring, the switch and your DPDT switch and isolate the problem to the switch machines themselves.  I would not use oil especially since you can manually move the switch without struggle. 

I have had switch machines buzz and not move, in fact I have one on my layout now that I have not replaced yet since I can reach it.  If these are new then MTH should replace them.  Years ago I ordered some replacement switch machines directly from MTH (Throuh Midge).  They were about $20 each.  I have them in my drawer and just need to replace the ones that when bad.  I also now have extras since I replaced many of my MTH switch machines with the Atlas under the table mounts as shown in my part 2 DVD.  I even have one crossover right in front of my layout with no machines (for appearance reasons) and I just manually move the points.  MTH may have them in stock if you need to replace them.

Rich

Thanks Rich... Your solution worked.  I am using ground throws in many of my accessible areas so I just swapped out the switch machines as needed.

In addition I must have been stressing out my 14V output on the Z4000 which is why the breaker kept popping.  I have lots of lighted accessories on this line.  Once I disconnected those accessories  the switches worked just fine.

I grabbed an old 12V AC wall wart and am using that for power to flip the switches keeping them isolated from the other accessories on the 14V output.

Thanks All,

Ron

Ron,

Glad to here things worked out for you.  When I stocked up on switches last year, dealers had warned me about the switch machines being a weak link... Thus my word of caution.  I had always planned to use Tortoise switch machines anyway, so it was a non-issue for me.

David

I have an all Scaletrax layout with 13 turnouts.  Installed tortoise switch machines throughout after much reading on here about the supplied manual switches and switch machines.