I have a pair of manual Marx switches with the tin green/red signals. I replaced a straight on my track with a switch. I rolled a car thru just fine and dandy. when I sent my engine thru, it lost connection in the middle and then tried to run backwards and then just stopped. there's a dead spot in the middle of the track where the switching takes place. is there a trick to these like you have to add extra power to the middle of the switch somehow?? thanks, jeff
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Jeff
What type of switch. Is it all metal or mostly plastic?
Steve
Steve, this is a pic of my switch. Thanks for any input.
There is a very delicate copper leaf contact under the swivel rail at the foreground of this picture that is "live" with the center rail power.
This leaf contact is supposed to make contact alternately with the underside of the rivets(the two closest in the foreground) in the swivel rails(straight & curved) as they swing into position for conducting the center rail power through the switch.
It's not uncommon for this copper contact to be oxidized or contorted to the point that it does not make proper connection.
I run several of those switches, no problems with either Lionel or Marx engines. I'll have to keep in mind that strip if they ever act up.
I'm not looking at the switch right now, but if I move the center rail you're saying I should see some sort of brass contact that the rail "slides" over??
Yes. It is just out of view in your picture.
It is visible on both switches in this pic:
"very rare"??? I'm very confused.
not so confused now...I did a search on the bay for marx very rare...I see where he has 2 marked $80 plus or BO. are you one of the watchers??
and I missed the hint to click on the "very rare". maybe I should hang on to them....
Impossible to find this extremely rare Right switch.
Just click on the links in my post, no need to search...
And no, not watching, I know they won't sell. Neither will any of his other overpriced items.
WOW! His "poor condition" rare Marx switch is nicer than some of the rare Marx switches I have on my layout! But then I didn't pay anywhere near what he's asking either! Guess it's true what they say about paying up for quality. 
well, i can see why these very rare switches are in such high demand. i cleaned the contact and they work perfectly! a few more years and college will be funded. thanks, jeff
That little copper strip is your electrical short issue - it can come in contact with the base of the switch. The quick fix I learned long ago since I've pretty much used Marx O27 switches on all of my layouts, is to get a thin piece of cardstock (like an index card) and cut out a piece to fit under the strip (i.e. between the strip and the base-plate) - about 3/4" square should do the trick - and slide it in place.
I wonder how many launder money through high bid auctions, or who uses it ("loses" it) to stay in the right tax bracket?
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