I know there are still some who are using Super O track. I just got a Lionmaster TMCC T-1 engine. I couldn't find the one with Legacy. Anyways I am going to have to redo the yard with the side track. The problem is I have some of the 112 switches too close to each other. This is the first engine that I have that is hitting the switch cover.
I was wondering how many others have had this problem?
Steve
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Which model T-1? The Pennsy or the Reading? One was a 4-4-4-4 and the other a 4-8-4. The tender can also cause an overhang issue as my Reading T-1 tender caused me some problems with overhang on my layout. The tender issue is that the steps stick out a lot on the rear of the tender and hit bridges and other support items.
Lee Fritz
Steve:
Yes, we’ve all had that problem despite it being a well-documented problem with #112 Super O switches. Even Lionel’s first instruction sheet for those switches in 1957 recommended that you place a short straight section adjacent to the straight branch of the switch to avoid the switch motor cover being hit by the overhang of larger locomotives. And “larger” locomotives in those days weren’t that large by today’s standards. I know that the post-war FM Trainmasters will hit the housing.
They should have taken that into consideration when they designed the switches.
Unfortunately in many cases that solution requires redoing your track plan.
Bill
I had the problem on a prior layout, and following Lionel's instructions about inserting a straight prove to be one solution. Since the problems is usually the switch housing there are a couple of alternatives. You can remove the housing for the switch and see if that solves the problem. The other option iwould be to replace the #112 with a manual super-O switch.
Which model T-1? The Pennsy or the Reading? One was a 4-4-4-4 and the other a 4-8-4. The tender can also cause an overhang issue as my Reading T-1 tender caused me some problems with overhang on my layout. The tender issue is that the steps stick out a lot on the rear of the tender and hit bridges and other support items.
Lee Fritz
Lee,
The engine is the Pennsy 4-4-4-4. The problem is the engine not the tender.
Steve:
Yes, we’ve all had that problem despite it being a well-documented problem with #112 Super O switches. Even Lionel’s first instruction sheet for those switches in 1957 recommended that you place a short straight section adjacent to the straight branch of the switch to avoid the switch motor cover being hit by the overhang of larger locomotives. And “larger” locomotives in those days weren’t that large by today’s standards. I know that the post-war FM Trainmasters will hit the housing.
They should have taken that into consideration when they designed the switches.
Unfortunately in many cases that solution requires redoing your track plan.
Bill
Bill,
I know you are right. The only solution is to redo the layout.
I had the problem on a prior layout, and following Lionel's instructions about inserting a straight prove to be one solution. Since the problems is usually the switch housing there are a couple of alternatives. You can remove the housing for the switch and see if that solves the problem. The other option iwould be to replace the #112 with a manual super-O switch.
Bill,
That might work by redoing the housings. I am not going to manual switches. I actually am waiting for the touch pad controls for the switches. That would save a lot of room. With the Legacy remote it is so nice to be able to walk around and work everything.
This is just part of the fun of doing the layout that I wanted 55 years ago. I guess it really doesn't matter if I ever finish. I am having a great time.
Thanks All
Steve
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