"Shorted Track" caused by 022's

What actual reading is the VOM giving you?  If you're using track power, you will have an indication of some continuity from the center rails to the outside.  There is the bulb that's powered from the track, and if you have a controller attached, there is another bulb there. 

There usually isn't a problem unless it doesn't work under track power, and VOM readings can be misleading when used this way to only check for absence of continuity. Instead of tearing it all apart, bench test the switch under power. I would be more suspicious of the switches that are showing an open circuit.

Thanks John---  The reading on the 022 with the bulb in place--no controller-- is around 30-ohms (approx.)   Readings disappear when bulb removed !  On the other 022's as well as the 072 switch, I got no readings because the "bulbs" were not in place.  Placed a bulb in each of them, one at a time, and got the same approx. 30-ohm reading !   Sounds like I might be OK after all, huh ?

KRK

No problem that I can see.

Most of my 022 switches as well as three 072 switches were bought off of Ebay.  THAT was a mistake!  They don't work!  This weekend I'm taking a big box of them to my Lionel Service Center guy and leave them for inspection, cleaning and repair !

Also, trying to work with 3-conductor flat wire on the Controllers is stupid!  Wire is too thin.  I will re-wire all controllers with Ma Bell 4-conductor color-coded IW wire.  It's SOLID too and a little bigger in diameter.

I need TWO 022 RH switches to finish my 1st level !  (In excellent condition) ...

KRK

Don't do it.

Google "servoguy restoring 55 022 switches" for links to Bruce's repairs you can do yourself. He expertly describes the common, easy-to-fix problems and simple repairs to get the 022 / 711 type switches working and tuned up for reliable operation. They are seldom completely failed or non-repairable, and really never need major repairs.

I've tuned up probably at least 100 or more O-gauge tubular switches.  Much of the issue revolves around the poor connections from the crimped contacts inside the switch body, and the sliding contact plate and fingers.

As Rob says, you can make all of this right.  While Bruce has a detailed how-to on tuneup, in come cases you won't have to do all the stuff he suggests.  Also, once you do a few of these, you'll start to recognize what areas are the problem areas.

Thanks to Rob and GunrunnerJohn for the great info on O-gauge switches.  This Sunday, I will be at "House of Trains" to learn from a Pro.  "Ray" has worked on hundreds of 022--072 switches.  He has the workbench and Test Stand too.  He says he will personally show me what to do and that I'll probably be taking some of these guys back home with me !  Wow!  I'm still considering using a different kind of wire for hooking up Switch Controllers as well as Uncoupling// Operating Car control sections,

with something better than that tiny, delicate FLAT wire !

Cheers.

KRK