New Lionel Switches: 3 for 4 with problems

Jack O:

Your note resonated with me. I recently ordered two Lionel O-gauge tubular rail O42 RC switches (one RH, one LH) as replacements on my layout. The LH switch worked fine, but the swivel rail of the RH switch consistently derailed one of my trains known for its "fussiness" in negotiating switches. These switches have an indent in the outside rails at the entry; it's  designed to accept the swivel rail for a snug fit. But the swivel rail of the RH switch didn't fit snugly.

I removed the switch and filed/smoothed some metal off its leading edge at the entry of the swivel rail to create a better fit into the indent. Presto! Then it worked fine. That 10-minute fix improved the action of the switch for eternity,

Otherwise, these switches operate well! I like their low-profile look, and the LED red and green status indicators are reliable. The switch controllers are a retro echo of iconic O22 switches - ultra cool.

Mike Mottler   LCCA 12394

Well, I'm pretty disappointed. For the price, these things should work flawlessly out of the box -- and not require me to "fix" them to have them work as advertised.

I'm definitely returning them, but instead of getting Lionel replacements, I may switch (pardon the pun) to Atlas.

You might look at Ross. We have 25-30, nary a problem.

You didn't specify what kind of Lionel switch.  I have Fastrack 048 switches on my small layout and they have given me trouble.  Trains run through them very smoothly-better than any other switches I have owned over my time.  But the control system gives trouble.  I have one that jammed-got some parts and fixed it and it is fine.  Now another one has started to jam.  These are all TMCC switches and recently a different one refuses to respond to TMCC.  The derail feature works.  I got the circuit boards from Lionel and am attempting to replace them but to be safe I ordered another switch.  I hope it works.  If so, I'll just keep the current one for parts, I guess.  

Love how smooth trains run through them, really disappointed in the TMCC control system and operator.

I've fixed a bunch of these newer FT Switches with a variety of issues.  One that's jammed is an easy fix.  It's caused by too much play (vertical distance) between the motor gear and the pie shaped rack gear.

After removing the bottom metal plate, loosen the two blue circled screws (1/2 turn) and clear the jam so that the gears correctly mesh again.  Next, re-tighten those screws and the red circled screw.

If there is excessive play between the gears ( >1/32"), this can cause them to bind.  While holding the motor gear, try to slide the rack past the gear mesh.   If it goes past the gear or almost does, then the motor is probably too high.  Usually there is a clear plastic shim under the motor (indicated by the blue arrow) which can be removed to improve the gear mesh in this situation.

So sad on the quality, I have 10  O 72 Y switches still in the box and now I’m worried.

I have 9 O72 switches on the layout both remote and TMCC and have had only minor issues. One needed the lead edge bent slightly.

Just received Lionel smoking box car with all the brake shoes off ( easy fix) and the volume control button in pieces ( not so easy of a fix but I will when I cool down), approx. 250.00 Canadian to the door.

Rick.ps I love my trains.

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These are LCS/Remote Fastrack switches. O48 R, O48 L, O36 R. All three bad on arrival. About to ship them back. Very disappointing. Thanks @SteveH for the fix info on the jam.

Having been in this hobby for only a year, I have been constantly amazed at how many NIB products, both cheap and really expensive, simply don't work!!