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O-27 Turnout Reliability

BlystovskiBlystovskiOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I've built a small layout using O-27, have everything wired up for testing, and have been having a lot of trouble with the Lionel O-27 turnouts.

They are all remote control models, but I haven't wired the coils up yet (all re-wired for fixed voltage control) so they're essentially manual.

 

Equipment having problems includes a host of post-war to modern Lionel steamers.  I can generate a list if necessary, but almost all of them (save my 1949 turbine) seem to regularly pick the switch somehow near the frog and derail.  I've also noticed that there's a lot of side-to-side (out of level) play in the point assembly (stamped steel) that may be a contributing factor.

 

Any tricks to getting these to run reliably?  Or is it just time to ditch the steamers and buy some small diesels?  Layout posted below for reference.  Thanks for any help or suggestions.

 

 

O27 Final

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SteamWolfSteamWolfOGR Forum Member

Cool layout. What do the switches look like? I know my 1121's, when put to direct power, snap back and forth with authority and none of my locomotives ever "pick the switch".

 

If you put them to direct power and things don't work out like they should, maybe tighten up how the rails are seated in the pressed steel if you can.

Last edited by SteamWolf
ADCX RobADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I'm guessing these are the 5121/5122 type?  They are a lot sloppier than the 1122/1122E they replaced in 1971.  They have been made all over Asia for 45 years and the tolerances changed a lot as the tooling was shipped around and set up at different vendors. Compare them to an 1122E and make adjustments as necessary - mostly the swivel rail - bending, trimming, shimming, etc.

BlystovskiBlystovskiOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Almost a month - sorry for not following up, I appreciate the feedback!  They are indeed modern 5121/5122 type, purchased last year.  The points are surprisingly sloppy, and I've started down the path of trying to firm things up.  I've also doubled down on checking all locomotives and rolling stock for gauge issues, and have already found a few that may have contributed.

 

Here is a quick progress shot, starting with the bottom before I started organizing the wiring.  Goal is to handle all track and accessories via relay boards, interfaced with an Arduino for signalling, intelligent block control (anti-collision), etc. to a standard control panel to try and make it as "kid friendly" as possible - hence my quest for better reliability.  Will report back on my efforts later - thanks again for the input everyone!

 

 

20151108_201340

20151101_212009

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  • 20151108_201340: Raw wiring
  • 20151101_212009: Some accessories placed on layout
P phillyreadingOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by SteamWolf:

Cool layout. What do the switches look like? I know my 1121's, when put to direct power, snap back and forth with authority and none of my locomotives ever "pick the switch".

 

If you put them to direct power and things don't work out like they should, maybe tighten up how the rails are seated in the pressed steel if you can.

I just bought a pair of 1122's at a train show a few weeks ago and have not tried them yet. Since reading the info on here I may keep them and sell my other 027 switches.

 

Lee Fritz

H HOPPYOGR Forum Member

Just a rant here:  Why hasn't Lionel fixed this issue with their switches long ago?  It's

certainly been enough of an issue to many of us railroaders to warrant attention.

Would it break their budget to take care of the matter?  Meanwhile, folks like Ross just

keep rolling out stone-reliable product.

 

     Hoppy

P phillyreadingOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by HOPPY:

Just a rant here:  Why hasn't Lionel fixed this issue with their switches long ago?  It's

certainly been enough of an issue to many of us railroaders to warrant attention.

Would it break their budget to take care of the matter?  Meanwhile, folks like Ross just

keep rolling out stone-reliable product.

 

     Hoppy

I am guessing it means more profit for Lionel?

To fix something you lose time and money in the manufacturing world.

 

Lee Fritz

BlystovskiBlystovskiOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Just a quick update since I know people find these older posts sometimes through various search methods - I've been able to get these switches to work reliably.  Some of my equipment needed some attention, with a number of old steamers needing new springs on their leading trucks.  The switches themselves were decent, and reliability increased when I switched to electronic actuation - likely the speed at which the points are moving throws them all the way to the inside of the contact rail.  Biggest issue has been the large metal area around the point pivot, which is slightly too high on a couple of switches and sometimes grounds out to passing equipment.  It seems to be the same equipment time after time, and I've managed simply by using different cars from my collection.  Overall happy with this design and the track purchase, it's been fun dipping my toes back into the world of Lionel layouts and I already have plans for something larger.  This time, though, I think I'll use a different track system due to turnout reliability and radius.  Thanks all for the feedback!20180120_175937

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