time to mount O22 switches to the layout. any tips?

[Anonymous]

There are several O22 switches to mount to board. Are these the essential steps.? 1. switch must be level. 2. use both holes in the plastic base for wood screws. Thanks.

[wrmcclellan]

HUIZC,

Speaking from (sometimes painful) experience:

1. Be careful not to torque the mounting screws so far down that they bend the switch if you are using any type of soft roadbed. This will/may bind the internal sliding mechanisms.

2. Remove the two screws that hold the plastic or Bakelite cover onto the switch motor/solenoid so you can get to the solenoid and mechanism for maintenance without having to remove the entire switch from the layout. The covers stay on just fine with no screws. Save the screws for installation later if you take the layout apart.

3. Most important - make sure they work flawlessly (points align to avoid derailments when approaching the points and the automatic switching when approaching from the frog) at the voltage you intend to drive them with (I highly recommend using the aux power terminal instead of track power). It is a pain to remove one constantly if it is not a well performing switch. Also check to make sure the switch lantern (rotates well and lights appropriately) and indicator lights on the controller work well before installing. If they do not after installation, you may have encountered the problem I mention in #1.

Good luck!

[darsenau]

HUIZC,

What I have found is to not use any screws to mount the switch itself, but rather to screw down the tracks connecting to the switch and let the switch "float" . This eliminates any binding which might be caused by fastening the switches themselves.

[AlanRail]

dont count on the screw-down connectors; after a number of throws they will loosen; also the power plug; so Take them apart; solder all connection inside; drop wires down under. the table;
Also remove the screws to the cover so that you can lift it off to view inside if the switch stops working

Alan

[Anonymous]

i APPRECIATE THE FEEDBACK. BECAUSE I STORE THE LAYOUT ON ITS SIDE SCREWING TURNOUTS TO WOOD MAYBE PRUDENT. I LIKE THE IDEA OF SOLDERING THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND KEEPING THE PLASTIC TOP CAP LOOSE TO ASSURE ACCESS.[:)]