Question on Lionel 711 072 remote switches

[okiechoochoo]

I just purchased a pair of Lionel 711 072 switches. This is the first pair I have ever held in my hands. One switch has provision for direct voltage plug but the other does not. It has what is apparently a metal replacement switch motor cover. I pulled this off to see if there was a direct voltage pin and there was not. Apparently, not all 711's came ready for direct voltage. My question is, can this switch be modified or wired for direct voltage. I was hoping to have all my switches on direct voltage. Thanks

[jkerklo]

Aren't the 711 O-72 switches great!  I have eight that replaced the modern O-72 switches that failed on my automatic layout.

There are different versions of the switch, including one that didn't have a "constant voltage" plug.  You can convert that one to "constant voltage" by tracing the common wire to the soleniods.  It now goes to a connection to track center rail.  Just disconnect the common wire from the center rail connection and connect it to switch "constant voltage."  Some kind of  disconnect would be useful for when the switch needs to be serviced.

A few notes from my experience you might find useful.

Modern constant voltage plugs, with a metric phillips-head screw, will not fit on 711 switches.  Or, indeed, postwar O-22 switches.  The hole can be drilled out, but it is better to find some postwar plugs, with the slotted-head screw.

The switch mechanism from a postwar O-22 switch can be fitted to the 711 switch, with some minor hole drilling to accommodate different screw sizes.

Not all versions of the 711 switch have non-derailing.

There was a manual version of the switch that could be converted for electric operation by replacing the manual throw with the electric mechanism.  Such switches do not have non-derailing. 

The best version of the 711 switch has the plastic crossover piece in its center.  The version with extended rails looks better, but the switch mechanism doesn't work as well (this based on those switches I have.)

The 711 track switch seems a bit higher than modern O-Gauge track.  The rails are also of heavier gauge metal.  Modern O-Gauge track pins can be a bit loose. 

Plastic covers from O-22 switches will fit the 711 mechanism.  I use these because I modify the switches so covers are held on with screws from the top and I don't like to modify those nice prewar metal covers.  This modification allows the covers to be removed for servicing the mechanism without removing the switch from the layout.

Enjoy your switches

John Kerklo

www.Three-Rail.com

[okiechoochoo]

question on the plastic verses metal rail frogs on 711.  I have received an email that the metal rail frogs will snag Lionel operating shoes and I shouldn't even try to mess with one because there is nothing that can fix that and that the plastic frogs do not snag the shoes.  I have one switch with plastic and one with metal rail frog.  Does this opinion concur with your experience.  Thanks

[jkerklo]

I have had some problems with operating shoes getting snagged, mostly with the shoes for coil couplers.  I hadn't associated it with either type of track switch. 

I don't have a fix and, in fact, could use some help with that myself, if anyone can advise.

John Kerklo

www.Three-Rail.com