16V to O22 switches

[Anonymous]

I have a transformer that I want to use for accessories and it has a 16 volt AC constant output. My question is can I use it to power the Lionel O22 switches without harming them?

[lionelsoni]

It should work fine. The switches will however work on a slightly lower voltage. Lionel advises testing them on 12 to 14 volts. So you could probably get longer lamp life if you can reduce the voltage a bit, perhaps with the rectifier trick. (Bridge rectifier module(s) with + and - connected together, ~ terminals in series between transformer and load.)

[spankybird]

You may also want to drill open the top of the switch lamp covers to a 1/4 hole to let the heat out.

[phillyreading]

Are these new 022 switches or post-war? The post-war style likes a little higher voltage to the solenoid to throw the center peice all the way, around 18 or 19 volts, just get a higher volt light bulb to make it look good.
Lee Fritz.

[Anonymous]

I believe they are post war.

[phillyreading]

If they are post-war you should see:
MADE IN U.S. OF
AMERICA BY
LIONEL CORPORATION
NEW YORK
Also there is a plate that reads:
LIONEL
REMOTE CONTROL
NO. 022
"O" GAUGE SWITCH
The old 022 switches can have either a screw in bulb or a bayonet style push & turn bulb. One more comment about the old 022's and that is the base is made of something called Bakelite, it is a brittle plastic and requires gentle care, if it was me I would not drill new holes or widen the old holes on the old 022 switches as it may break!
Don't know about the new 022 switches, may have Made for LIONEL in China or Lionel in Michigan USA.
Lee Fritz

[spankybird]

The housing on older switches is made of Bakelite, but the lantern covers are not. My old switches are from the mid 50's and I have opened up the lantern covers without any problems.

[lionelsoni]

I have found bakelite to be tolerably machinable. When one of the screwholes on a type-Z transformer case stripped, I was able to drill it out and retap it for a brass insert without much fuss.

[Anonymous]

How much heat are we talking about?

[spankybird]

A typical problem of these switches is at 14 volt or more the heat from the light bulb will melt the latern cover. Thus if you put in a 24 volt bulb ( it will be a little less bright) and open the top hole to 1/4" dia. it will let the heat out.

[Anonymous]

Once again thanks for the information. I will do this before I connect the switches. Can I get the bulbs from Radio Shack?

[phillyreading]

Should be able to get the bulbs from Radio Shack or may try an auto parts store but take the bulb with you so the parts clerk knows what to look for. Also a 24 volt bulb should work but will take a little more voltage to light up as bright.
Lee Fritz

[lionelsoni]

Radio Shack has 28-volt bayonet-base lamps, 272-1119. They will be rather dim on 16 volts, about 14 percent of full brightness. The green light will suffer more than the red.