O72 Cmd Switch freezes

I had the same problem. On mine I ended up tightening down  those two screw that hold the switch motor in place. I discovered they were not completely tight from the factory allowing the motor to pivot  ever so slightly which allowed the gear to walk up out of the rack and get jammed on the last teeth.

RickO posted:

I had the same problem. On mine I ended up tightening down  those two screw that hold the switch motor in place. I discovered they were not completely tight from the factory allowing the motor to pivot  ever so slightly which allowed the gear to walk up out of the rack and get jammed on the last teeth.

Me to on one 060 remote switch. Almost the same issue, replaced the motor with pinion and fixed it. The pinion had a small defect in one of the teeth.

Thanks guys. I'll try what you suggest and I'll post the results. 

Well, it appears the switch motor was indeed the problem. I couldn't find a problem with the teeth of the gears but it seems my problem was the opposite of RICKO. Mine apparently was too tight. I loosened the screws a tad and so far it's working like a charm...I hope it continues... Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.

ed

There are also two limit switches shown.  If they are not operating properly, that would also cause the problem you have detailed.  (1.)Upper right, and (2.) far right center, (partial picture).  

Mike CT posted:

There are also two limit switches shown.  If they are not operating properly, that would also cause the problem you have detailed.  (1.)Upper right, and (2.) far right center, (partial picture).  

I didn't see a problem with those switches. They seemed to be working properly. However, if the problem returns I'll certainly look at those as a possible source of the problem. Thanks 

To ad to Mikes mention of the limit switch I had an issue with one of those as well. The turnout would only throw in one direction. I also lost the lightup in one direction also, it wouldn't turn red on the controller, and in addition the turnout  would buzz as trains crossed like it was trying to "throw itself", the non derailing feature.

That rack mechanisim/ triangle was not fully closing the micro switch in one direction, making the turnout "think "it was not already throw causing the symptoms I described above.

I discovered this by manually operating the turnout with the cover off.  when throwing the turnout by turning the lantern you can hear the "click" of the micro switch indicating it is fully closing to make contact.

I heard no "click" in one direction and used a piece of tape on the edge of the triangle mechanism so it would close that  micro switch all the way, making the "click". Its worked fine ever since.

ToledoEd posted:

Mike CT posted:

There are also two limit switches shown.  If they are not operating properly, that would also cause the problem you have detailed.  (1.)Upper right, and (2.) far right center, (partial picture).  

I didn't see a problem with those switches. They seemed to be working properly. However, if the problem returns I'll certainly look at those as a possible source of the problem. Thanks 

Good tip. Thanks.  So far the switch is now working OK...I'll have to see how my loosening of the rotor mechanism holds up over time.

ed

RickO posted:

To ad to Mikes mention of the limit switch I had an issue with one of those as well. The turnout would only throw in one direction. I also lost the lightup in one direction also, it wouldn't turn red on the controller, and in addition the turnout  would buzz as trains crossed like it was trying to "throw itself", the non derailing feature.

That rack mechanisim/ triangle was not fully closing the micro switch in one direction, making the turnout "think "it was not already throw causing the symptoms I described above.

I discovered this by manually operating the turnout with the cover off.  when throwing the turnout by turning the lantern you can hear the "click" of the micro switch indicating it is fully closing to make contact.

I heard no "click" in one direction and used a piece of tape on the edge of the triangle mechanism so it would close that  micro switch all the way, making the "click". Its worked fine ever since.

 

RickO,

I used your tape fix on the Lionel Train Orders Building. It too has those switches.  Never would have thought of that but for your comment. Thanks 

ed

I had the same problem with one of mine.  All the track is fastened down, so it's a PIA to pull the switch.  I found that if I tapped the switch with my hand it started working again.

Me too...worked for awhile each time. I rapped it with a rubberized screw driver handle.