Hello,
Looking for a little help. I have an O27 gauge, 42 curve remote switch track that I believe is shorting out somewhere. Whenever the train and/or the passenger car that lights up rolls over the switch, a bunch of sparks come out from the bottom by the wheels. The train also slows down as if it is losing power until all engines and accessory cars pass over. I think I narrowed it down to the long rail on the outside that goes straight. This is because it does not spark when the train goes on the left turn track. Just wondering what this could be? Is this something I can fix? This switch is new to my track. It is a simple layout with two switches and two ovalls. I do not have any blocks, nor do I have direct power to the switches. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.
Thanks,
C.P.
Who made your turnout?
Bob Nelson
I can almost guarantee it's Lionel:
It's the only one that has these issues repeatedly. I have a couple dozen of the K-Line switches and have never had the problem.
The problem is usually the wheelsets contacting the wide center rail at the divergence. Using strips of tape to insulate suspicious portions of that rail, you can narrow down and isolate the problem spot(s) and use a good electrical tape, nail polish, or Plasti Dip to make a more permanent insulation job.
Rob
If it is a Lionel turnout, I doubt that the problem is wheels touching the fat center rail. Notice that the point for the diverging path lies very close to the center rail in the non-diverging position. I suspect that the pickups are touching the point, which is what needs to be insulated or cut down. He seems to be reporting that the problem occurs when locomotives or cars with pickups are over the turnout: "Whenever the train and/or the passenger car that lights up rolls over the switch, a bunch of sparks come out from the bottom by the wheels. The train also slows down as if it is losing power until all engines and accessory cars pass over."
Some sparking is normal especially if the rollers or wheels are dirty. Try identifying a car or locomotive that is causing the sparks. With the track energized slowly push through the switch until you get a spark or a short. Then carefully look under the car and try to see if a center rail roller is touching an outside rail or visa versa.
Cool PapaSo can I assume the best way to fix it is tape or a polish of some sort? Is this something a train repair shop could fix?
YOU can fix this easily and in a few minutes. Use strips of tape to insulate suspicious portions of that rail, you can narrow down and isolate the problem spot(s) and use a good electrical tape, nail polish, or Plasti Dip to make a more permanent insulation job.
What kind of car is this that is touching the center diverter? A properly gaged wheelset should not have enough slack to shift and make contact with that part. Some Marx and pre-war Lionel cars and locomotives have gears that do not clear newer style switches. a strategically placed strip of electrical tape may correct the problem but make sure you check the wheelsets to be sure they are not out of gage.
It's not the cars, it's a design defect. The backsides of the post-1969 "fast-angle" wheels contact the rail.
BigAl, you should look at the picture of the switch. The movable points are so close to the fat rail that there is no possibility that an pickup roller will not short the two together. Looks like a stupid design.
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