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I have found a layout I like which has two parallel tracks joined by two pairs of O22 switches. Each pair of switches has the curved leg joined together i.e. a RH switch curved leg joined to a RH switch curved leg. Each of the straight legs is joined to straight track with the two LH switches joined in a similar way .  Hopefully, the layout I attached will show up.  The section in question is at the top on either side of the Milk Car platform in green.  (This was my first attempt to copy and produce a layout using SCARM so I don't know whether all of the sections are joined properly.)

How do you utilize the insulating pins to maintain the non-derailing feature of the O22 switches?  How do I ensure power to the track since both outer rails are insulated from each other at this joint? 

Lionel shows a similar connection of switches on page 4 of the 72-4062-250 Instruction Sheet (middle left layout).

Hopefully this is not a dumb question.

Thanks

 

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The way the non-derailing feature works is when a train comes in contact with the insulated rail on the switch, if the switch is in the wrong position, it throws. If you don't have an insulating pin in the end of that segment, it will try to throw constantly, and you could burn out the motor.

In the case of your crossover (the curved legs of the two connected right hand switches) both outside rails get an insulating pin.

To ensure power, you might need a lock on or other method of feeding the outside rail. See if the train works. If it stops add the feeder.

Last edited by Big_Boy_4005
DS Texas posted:
How do you utilize the insulating pins to maintain the non-derailing feature of the O22 switches?  How do I ensure power to the track since both outer rails are insulated from each other at this joint?

Easy. Leave the pins where you have them - this is correct.

Connect a single wire to all four center screws on those four 022 switch machines. Daisy chain, home run, "star", or loop, it doesn't matter.

Last edited by ADCX Rob

Hello Guys, I just recently joined the forum, and see this conversation took place a couple of years ago, but I have a similar situation in a layout I am planning for later this year. The layout has 11 switches, all O-22. I have a transition from an inner loop to an outer loop exactly as DX Tex encountered in his layout. My problem is that I got the switches used, and from a number of sources, and I don't know if they are wired correctly in the first place.

1. Is there a reference manual or instruction sheet I can find to describe how a non-derailing switch should be wired and insulated?     

2. I gather from ADCX ROB's comment above that assuming the switches were "pinned" correctly to start with, I wouldn't need to make any change, just turn 'em around and push them together.

3. Finally, it would simplify my switch control set up in a couple of spots where two switches would always work together. How do I wire them so that two or more switches throw together? 

 

Sure appreciate any suggestions,

 

226E

 

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