O31 electric switches: Which ones actually work???

I have had no issues with my Lionel 031 switches from the late 80s/early 90s . JohnA 

PS, the 2 031 switches I have are this style:

@John A posted:

I have had no issues with my Lionel 031 switches from the late 80s/early 90s . JohnA 

John... I like the appearance of those switches, but they were only made several years because many folks had quality issues with them.  I liked their ability of letting you remove a stub section of "track" on each end to accomplish different track separations.  Maybe someone can speak to the common problems with this model switch.

@Mannyrock posted:

I am adding an additional side track way in the back of my layout, so instead of manual switches, I will need two electric switches.

I know there is a company that makes super reliable, really really expensive electric switches, but due to costs, those are out for me.

So, what other electric switches are out there, that work better than the O31 Lionel switches, and will easily match up with Lionel 031 gauge track?  My trains and layout are old school, post- war, track, switches and engines.

Thanks, Mannyrock

Mannyrock:  If you want bulletproof dependability & relative economy in O gauge switches, nothing beats the classic O31 switches Lionel offered for 70+ years.  They are easily cleaned/repaired & don't rely on pesky modern circuitry.  I don't think the current breeds of plastic based track/switches will be operating in 50 years.... but the 031's have proven their longevity for well over that time period.

The Lionel 031 switches you want to get are part number 022.

@RadioRon posted:

John... I like the appearance of those switches, but they were only made several years because many folks had quality issues with them.  I liked their ability of letting you remove a stub section of "track" on each end to accomplish different track separations.  Maybe someone can speak to the common problems with this model switch.

 

I’ve had no issues with these switches. However, l don’t run my trains for hours on end. The issues may manifest themselves after extended hourly use. Further, I have made the modification to the points, as in filing them down for a more “natural flow” or wheel transition.

Steve 

I use Lionel postwar 022 turnouts. As with most postwar equipment, parts and refurbishing practices are available. In my opinion, they are best for traditional sized trains.   There is an abundance 022 available out there. Of course, they are older equipment on the Multiple decade secondary market.  Buying them from reliable sellers in good working order is best. reconditioning  a 022 is a YouTube topic you might want to look over. Generally $20 to 25 each, sometimes less for fixer uppers, sometimes more for refurbished with controllers, inserts, orig boxes etc.
but they are the down and dirty postwar Tubular non derail feature Lionel switch. Still fascinated by  lanterns especially at night!

K line put out a similar copy of the 022 years back. 

I have found them Mostly reliable as well, 
not sure how durable they are. They need a dedicated K line switch machine, not the Lionel one. 

Mannyrock - Just for clarification, up until the early 90s Lionel's 031 Remote Switches were Parts 6-65132 & 6-65133 for 'R' and 'L' respectively.  Then in the mid 90s these were replaced by 6-23010 & 6-23011 for 'L' & 'R' respectively.  FWIW in my experience the original switches were built far more sturdier and were much more reliable than the later version.

Since your OP indicates that cost is an important factor you might want to consider the 'original' Lionel switches because - when found - they can be had at reasonable prices.

Just a thought...

Good Luck!  

Thanks Guys!  You always come through with great info.

Mannyrock

I have never had a problem with O22 switches. Their Postwar switches but are very reliable. 

I "second the motion" about classic Lionel O22 switches. I used them in previous layouts at Mottler Station.  In my current layout, I adopted O42 track and switches as my minimum radius in order to accommodate larger locos. I purchased K-Line switches -- 6 low-profile versions (K-3075 LH and K-0376 RH) and 4 switches of their older style. I feed 14v AC to them. They are very reliable - especially the anti-derail circuit.

As I understand it, the K-Line low profile switches are identical to a Lionel switch (but K-Line didn't blacken the center rail). However, the Lionel switches of this type are more expensive, but probably just as reliable.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394
mottlermike10@gmail.com

I really like the k-line switches. I have about 30 of them. Rarely an issue.  

Thanks for all of the great info.   I will go with the Lionel 022, and look for the pre-90s version.  There are lots of 022s for sale on line, with close up pictures.  Is there any particular identifying mark or feature on the switches, that would distinguish the pre-90s from the later model?  I don't think, the part numbers are printed on the switches.

The K-Lines look really nice, but they are few and far between and pretty expensive.

Thanks,

Mannyrock