O Gauge Switches

To my mind, the smoothest Lionel tinplate switches are Fastrack switches, As much as I dislike the track itself, the switches are great. The trains run through them smoothly. The only Lionel locos I am aware of that do not like Fastrack switches are the can motored Generals.

You can purchase Fastrack to tubular transition track sections.

022 was a model number, not a radius or diameter.  They were O-31.  If you can use wider radius switches, backing trains through the switch will be easier.

Jerry Del posted:

I am putting an O gauge layout together W/ Lionel Tubular Track.  I have a couple of Switch questions.  It seems that an 022 switch has a turn out radius equal to a piece of 031 curve track is that right? Then what is the turn out radius of an 031 switch or are they both the same?

What is the difference between a 6-14062 & a 6-5133? How do you tell what radius the 5133 has.

What switch's have the non derailing feature? 

What Lionel switch is the better ( less problems & stand the test of time)?

Thanks in Advance 

 

 

Jerry:

I can answer regarding the 022 Switches. These remote control switches are non-derailing, and have the same curvature as 031 curved track. I have fifteen O22 switches on my layout that have worked flawlessly for over 5 years,  including the non-derailing feature. I had them repaired and tuned years ago by a train friend for a modest fee. Like most post war items, the parts are readily available.

You can get them used at a discount at train shows. I got many of mine dirt cheap because there was a problem like a little rust or the non-derailing feature did not work because something inside the mechanism needed to be re-soldered. I'm sure there are guys on this forum that are experts at getting these switches to operate like a Swiss watch, and can help you by advising you or actually repairing the switches for a reasonable price. Once working and installed on a layout,  I find them to be very reliable.

One more thing, I'm not familiar with other switches except Lionel 027 switches ( I forget the number, maybe it's something like 1122). I think the independently powered O22 switches for O Gauge layouts are far superior to the 027 switches that draw their power from the track.

Fast Track switches and others on the market may be great, But I know nothing about them.

Jerry Del posted:

What is the difference between a 6-14062 & a 6-5133? How do you tell what radius the 5133 has.

The 14062/3 & 5132/3 are both based on the original 1938 022  and all are "O-31" O gauge. They have a 14.14" center rail radius, 28.28" center rail diameter, 31.03" over-the-ties diameter.

Jerry Del posted:

What switch's have the non derailing feature?

All of these, as well as most other remote switches from Lionel since 1938 except the unusual 022A and the 1121 O-27 switch(both of which can be adapted in a pinch).

Jerry Del posted:

What Lionel switch is the better ( less problems & stand the test of time)?

The 022 is the best.

I would avoid the 027 switches

RJR posted:

I would avoid the 027 switches

I would avoid O27 altogether. O Gauge track is much better. 

Jerry Del posted:

I am putting an O gauge layout together W/ Lionel Tubular Track.  I have a couple of Switch questions.  It seems that an 022 switch has a turn out radius equal to a piece of 031 curve track is that right? Then what is the turn out radius of an 031 switch or are they both the same?

What is the difference between a 6-14062 & a 6-5133? How do you tell what radius the 5133 has.

What switch's have the non derailing feature? 

What Lionel switch is the better ( less problems & stand the test of time)?

Thanks in Advance 

 

 

If you want good switches, the front page of the forum has an ad for a company that services and makes tinplate track new again. I have checked out the website and they have very good prices. Their products seem to be very good and I doubt you'll be disappointed. Here's a link so you don't have to go to the front page: http://tinman3rail.com/index.html 

RJR posted:

I would avoid the 027 switches

He's using "O".

GenesisFan99 posted:

I would avoid O27 altogether. O Gauge track is much better.

Define "better".

Do you mean closer to scale rail height? Or you get more for your money?  Do you mean it takes up less storage space and weigh less for moving? Do you mean easier to find or more rust resistant? Easier to cut to length? Or does "O" match up with Ross/GarGraves easier? Or Super "O"? Is "O" available in -27, -34, -42, -54, & -72 like O-27? Did Lionel make (42") wide radius switches for "O"?

Genisisfan99

Thanks for referring to Tinman. Very interesting stuff to read on their website.

I also found the tinman calling him tomorrow by the looks of what he has to offer  the pricing sounds like a no brainier.  Thanks for the input  I will keep you posted.

Taiked to the tinman yesterday. If your looking into buying Lionel O Gauge Switches & controllers he is the Man.  He rebuilds the sw's  & has re engineered  the controller. Both the Sw's & controller now have led lights among other new upgrades.  His prices are very reasonable & he is a very knowledgeable guy to talk to. He also has fully automatic track signals. If your thinking about you layout to the next level go to his web sight you will be pleasantly surprised.