American Flyer 720 switch problem?

[pbjwilson]

I bought a pair of early 720 switches. They look and operate very well. Only problem is there seems to be no power to the movable switch "points". My engine stalls over that movable switch section everytime. I looked on the underside of the switches and all the soldered connections look good. Any suggestions on a solution? I cant see how the power is delivered to that section on the switch.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

There is a small button at the v in the switch.  With the button in the "2 train operation" power will go to the track that that is being switched to.  If in the "Regular Operation" both the main line and the spur will be energized regardless of the position of the switch.  If you want a section to be dead when not switched to, you in to be in 2 train operation.  If you have two switches to complete the loop you need to have both switches in the 2 train operation if you want the section  switched  from to remain dead.

It took me a while to figure it out too.

Jim 

[pbjwilson]

Jim,

I figured that part out, nice feature. The thing I am having trouble with is no power on the part of the turnout that moves. The part that actually switches the track direction. When my tender hits that section the engine stops.

[Anonymous]

Paul,

         Clean the sides of the frog (the part that moves) as well as the inside surfaces of the rails that the frog touches.  The frog receives its power from whatever rail it touches; it is not powered internally.

[lionelsoni]

The rails that move are the points.  The frog is the part where the rails cross.  The American Flyer service manual erroneously calls the points assembly (PA10904 or PA10905) a "frog".

[pbjwilson]

Paul,

         Clean the sides of the frog (the part that moves) as well as the inside surfaces of the rails that the frog touches.  The frog receives its power from whatever rail it touches; it is not powered internally.

Yep, crud, dirt, and corrosion on the inside of the rail on the points was causing the tender to loose contact with the rail. Probably spent 4 hours cleaning, lubing, and sanding the rails. Nothing was working. Then one swipe on the side of the rail where the flange rides and now there is no hesitation as the engine runs threw the switch. Can hardly believe it. One little bit of crud can cause alot of frustration. Anyway, it works great now. Will post pictures this weekend of my new S gauge Flyer layout.

Thanks for help.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

The moving part of the track switch is made from a different material than the track and it will get dirty much quicker than the surrounding track. I had to do some spot cleaning on the switches today.  Looking forward to seeing your American Flyer layout!!!!!

Jim