Lionel 711 - 072 switch motor

[misterbando]

What is the purpose of the metal plug used in some of the Lionel 711 switch motors. Some of my switches have this metal plug in the end of the plunger tube. When I remove the metal plug the switch action is much stronger. Thanks Keith Takarsh

[TrainLarry]

What is the plug made of? Steel? Brass?

If it is made of steel, it could possibly be slightly shorting out the magnetic field of the coil, thus giving it less power.

Larry