O22 switches... OK for new layout?

Yes, Lionel 022's are very reliable and very robust, when in decent condition.

(by decent, i mean not completely rusted rails and not run over by a garbage truck)

Thanks PENN-PACIFIC!  Have you or anyone seen a video or other tutorial regarding how to rehabilitate those that may be a bit sketchy?

As a matter of fact;

You bet! I've got dozens that I am very satisfied with!

I've cleaned and reconditioned about 8 or 9 of them for my layout. One thing that makes a difference is that there is a solder joint underneath that a lot of times is broken but looks ok. It is on a metal piece about 3" long, has to do with the anti-derailing feature. I had to resolder 5 of the 9 switches

As far as I'm concerned the ultimate guide to reconditioning O22 switches can be found at THIS LINK.  Be sure to read all of it.

Pete

Servicing the switches has been discussed many times on the forum here. This link has great pictures and such:

https://ogrforum.com/...45#40004360093384045

Here is a picture showing the screws you will need to remove. There are 3 different sets:

1 set (red) Retains the motor cover

1 set (green) Attaches the motor to the base

1 set (blue) Retains the backing plate to the base

This is the base with the plate and motor removed. Check all the solder joints and ensure all the rails are tight.

This is the motor. I've identified the surfaces I service with lubrication. Blue for CRC 2-26 and red for Labelle 107. Additionally, check all solder joints.

Assembly is reverse of disassemble. Just be cognoscente of the frog pin and motor alignment. (The pin is in the middle of the 4 blue circles in the last picture).

Here is a link to Olen's Trains which supplies parts you may find you need and shows an exploded diagram:

http://www.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=673

Also see Classic Toy Trains Fall, 1988, the Lionel manual had a section on rebuilding these and it was reprinted in O Gauge Railroading 138 and 139 which are 12-1994 and 2-1995, and improvements to 022s are discussed in CTT February, 2013. A simple testing process for 022's off of your layout is in OGR154 (8, 1997). 

The issue with the 022s and the 072 5165s and 5166s is really geometry. The huge switch machines force curves o be pretty far apart. So for a given number of yard tracks, etc., using Lionel switches takes up a great deal more space. 

Good luck!

Don

Guys, this is great info!  In one spot on my layout I'll have 4 of these for a transition between two nested loops (see picture).  The loops are pretty close together so I think I have to change around the switch motor so it comes off the straight instead of curved side.  Never done this but I've read it can be done.  

My new layout will begin conventionally so the red dots in the picture denote insulated center rails.  I have a lot to read up on to figure that whole thing out.