Lionel O-42 Switch problem

[bogaziddy]

When I activate the switch ( it is a left hand switch ) with the switch throw controller the points switch back and forth continuously at a furious pace until I let go of the lever. I have a right hand switch that works just fine. Any ideas? Both insulated joints are in place for activation of the non-derailing feature and the switch is wired for constant voltage operation. I'm stumped.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. TIA

[overall]

It sounds like the non derailing feature is activating but you say that you have both insulating pins in place. I would take a VOM and ohm out the the controller . It may have something making contact that should not be.

George

[lionelsoni]

I agree with George, that it could be the controller.  Why not just disconnect it from the turnout and see whether that stops the chattering?

[bogaziddy]

Thanks Fellas,

Yeah, so far I've suspected the switch to be the problem. Thanks to you I'll now turn my attention to the controller. The other switch and controller I have wired up work fine. Maybe if I remove the controller housings of both controllers I'll see if there is something different in the faulty controller and be able to remedy it. I'll let you all know what I find out.

Thanks again and later bro's,

The Boge

[lionelsoni]

Just disconnect the controller first and try to throw the turnout by bridging between the common terminal and each of the other two terminals.  The turnout shouldn't chatter when you do that.  If it still does, the problem is in the turnout, otherwise the controller.

[Boyd]

 I have a bunch of Lionel 027 profile 42" switches and they have all given me trouble,,,, including a brand new one. I took them all apart and disabled the mechanical parts and made them all manual. Since then I have bought the now discontinued K-line K-2xx series switches off of ebay and like them better. All but one are manual but then again my layout is small enough that manual switches work fine for me.

[hirailr64]

I have done exactly what you stated, disconnected the controller and bridged the terminals as you suggested.   When I bridge 2 to 3 nothing happens and when I bridge 2 to 1 the switch chatters like crazy.  Any suggestions and to what my be wrong with the switch.  It is only 3 years old.

[bfskinner]

 I have no experience with 042 switches, so I doubt that I can be of much help. Several long shots:

1. Does this switch have the same conical direct-power attachment that the O22 switches have? If so, peer down inside the switch and make certain that the conical plug gently breaks contact with the little finger that normally carries track power. I've seen them where the finger had been bent all out of shape and did all sorts of naughty things when the cone plug was inserted.

2. I may have missed it, but does the switch misbehave when on straight track power only?

3. Are you CERTAIN that the insulating pins are in exactly the same positions as on the right-hand switch that apparently works? There's a mirror-image problem here, is there not?

4. What transformer are you using to power the switch, Is it the exact same one that powers the other one. There is a problem with which posts are common and which are not on the original early CW-80's. With them, it is easy to cross-wire hot and ground at an aux. powered switch.

5. Are you conducting your tests with nothing else connected to the switch track, i.e., on a workbench all by itself?

6. Any chance that the switch has been stepped on or otherwise "upset" the switch body so that something inside is contacting something that it should not? Have you checked for "solder bridges" underneath the switch? In the 022 switches there is a thin but critical cardboard insulator in the overall shape of the switch. If not present, it will allow things to short to ground inside the switch.

7. Is any of the layout track over-riding the insulating pins and making contact where it should not? . Again, try it on a bench completely divorced from the rest of the layout.