New member and I am starting with my father's post-war Lionel set - Lionel 1122E Switch problem

Warthog_DriverOGR Forum Member

Hello all!

I just joined the Forum. My father gave me his Lionel O Scale trains from 1948-1949. I have very fond memories watching his Prairie Steamer Locomotive, #2026 with the 2-6-2 wheels, chugging around the tracks when I was young. He gave me his trains last Christmas and I am starting to restore and build my layout. I am planning on a 9ft x 6ft table running two separate lines. The O-27 tubular will be on the interior of the overall layout surrounded by a larger modern Fastrack layout. It will take time but my goal will be the classic O-27 tubular with my KW Transformer and then controlling the Fastrack rail line using the Lionel Control System (LCS) with a new Disney LionChief Plus 2.0 Berkshire. One day.

I have a question about the Lionel 1122E switches. One of the switches slowly rotates out of the commanded position after it is thrown. It is subtle but the lantern slowly rotates about 30 degrees from the thrown position. In the video it happens after the last throw of the switch on the right about the 23 sec point. Is this normal or do I have some troubleshooting to do?

I have enjoyed reading and learning from all of you. As I start construction I'll update my progress and I'm sure I'll have some questions for many of you.

Scott

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1/1/216:23 PM

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Jim 1939OGR Forum Member

Not too unusual for those. The switches have a good snap to them so your good to go.

1/1/216:52 PM

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Arnold D. CribariOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

It seems to me that the switches are fine, but the lantern does not fully settle down the way it's supposed to. Some slight adjustment may need to be made to the lantern, but I'm not sure what that adjustment is. I bet some suggestions from others will be forthcoming.

If you have another lantern, you might try it to see if it fits better. I've done that when I've had a similar problem with the lanterns for my 022 switches, which are for O Gauge. Your switches are for 027. Arnold

1/1/217:01 PM

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ADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

You have the wrong bulb in the controller. It has to be a GE53. To confirm this, disconnect the controller wires from that switch and rotate the lantern manually to both positions.

1/1/218:34 PM

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Warthog_DriverOGR Forum Member

Rob, well, you nailed it! The controller had a larger, GE431 bulb and not a GE53 bulb. When I put a GE53 bulb in the socket for the controller, it would not light up. The socket on the inside was rusted out. Had to use my Dremel with a small round bit to clean it all up. She lit up after the cleaning. No creep on the switch, everything seems to work perfect. Thanks so much for your help!