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MTH Switch Problem

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MTH Switch Problem
Posted by RRaddict on Sunday, November 13, 2011 9:10 PM

I am having a problem with an 042 MTH switch, the switch will snap back  and forth just fine but as soon as the train goes to the inside loop the switch will not switch back and goes dead. I am running AC power to it but it still gives me this problem. This setup worked great on my carpet layout but as soon as I moved it to the bench layout I can't get it going right. Any help would be great.

Thanks,

Kevin

Can't stop working on the railroad!

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Posted by rtraincollector on Sunday, November 13, 2011 9:32 PM

chief had some problems with MTH switches he even had to replace one I think as it was bad out of the box

he would be the one to probably help you as it sounds like a short somewhere that the hard surface has made visable

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Posted by RRaddict on Thursday, November 17, 2011 9:57 AM

Who is Chief?

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Posted by ADCX Rob on Thursday, November 17, 2011 10:00 AM

Rob

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Posted by RRaddict on Thursday, November 17, 2011 10:35 AM

Thank you question asked waiting for a reply

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Posted by Moozuki on Thursday, November 17, 2011 10:40 AM

Shim the controller or move it to the other side of the switch. I have seen bad connectors on the switches before, the carpet allows enough flex for it to work were as the hard surface does not.

 

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Thursday, November 17, 2011 1:52 PM

Reply been sent.  Not sure what you are saying in that.  Guessing control rail has slipped and touching the other rail. 

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Posted by RRaddict on Friday, November 18, 2011 9:18 AM

I have tried changing the controller to the other side and that didn't work.  I disassembled the switch nothing burnt or shorted out.  The center rail is not touching anything it shouldn't.  If I disconnect the switch from the inner track the switch will throw just fine even if the train is on the track inside the main loop.  As soon as I reconnnect the track back together the switch will no longer throw.  The switch seems like it wants to throw but shuts down after struggling to be thrown.  It definitey has enough power.  I also tried putting jumperson the rails to make sure they all had power. I have no problem buying a new switch but I am possitive it's not the switches problem.  $ 70.00 for a new switch only to find out it's not the Switch.  Here in LA the shops don't take returns or I would buy another one just to try. Hopefully this explains it a little better  but I am at the end of my rope.

Can't stop working on the railroad!

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Posted by RRaddict on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 12:48 PM

Thanks all,

Problem solved, I changed to Lionel tubular and switches no problems yet.

Can't stop working on the railroad!

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