Lionel prewar-compatible switches

[BlueComet400]

Good afternoon,

I'm in the process of designing a new layout and am finding out that there are few options for switches that are compatible with the large gears / deep flanges of Lionel prewar O-gauge trains. I'm planning to run everything, from my 248 electirc to my 763 Hudsons and everything in between. If anyone can shed some light on what switches will work with these trains, it would be much appreciated. They're much too beautiful to have them just sit on a shelf.

Many thanks,

John

[rrswede]

John, perhaps I am missing something, but why would you not consider using the standard 022 Lionel switches. Granted, there are differences between them based on manufacturing date, but I suspect they are still the "go to" switch.

Here's a link to interesting reading wrt differences.

http://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/prewar-and-postwar-versions-of-lionel-switches-observations-and-questions

swede

[servoguy]

I recommend the post war switches over the prewar switches.  Several improvements were made in the motor after the war.  Avoid the switches with die cast covers for the switch motor as these switch motors can be a challenge to get working correctly.  I have 125 022 switches and have had hours of experience with them.  I also have 40 711 switches, and several of them have an early motor with no fixed voltage plug.  These motors have a design problem with the sliding switches which I do not now have a good solution for.  Most of the prewar switches have a plastic slider in the motor.  The post war switches have a metal slider.  The metal (steel) slider works much better than the plastic one.  I don't recommend the later 022 imitation switches with a 5xxx number.  They have problems with tolerances and also the latest ones have cheaply made sliding switches which can burn up easily.  Stick with the post war 022s up through '69.  I have bought most of mine for $7-10 and restored them to perfect operation.  And most of the rails are "weathered."

[servoguy]

If you want switches that will tolerate any size flange and/or gears on the wheels, get prewar American Flyer switches.  They are similar to the metal Marx switches except they are 40" diameter rather than 27".  I have about 15 of them and I have modified them to be non-derailing.  You can buy either electric or manual switches.

You can also buy O-40 AF prewar track.  It is compatible with Lionel O-31 or O-72 tubular track.  

[servoguy]

If you want switches that will tolerate any size flange and/or gears on the wheels, get prewar American Flyer switches.  They are similar to the metal Marx switches except they are 40" diameter rather than 27".  I have about 15 of them and I have modified them to be non-derailing.  You can buy either electric or manual switches.

You can also buy O-40 AF prewar track.  It is compatible with Lionel O-31 or O-72 tubular track.  

[servoguy]

I caution you that some of the AF prewar track and switches are the same height as Lionel O-31 but are O-27 curvature. I avoid these.

[BlueComet400]

Thanks to all for your input. I have a pretty good stockpile of Lionel switches (both O and O-72), but what I'm looking for is something that will help maximize my space. I recently discovered the Hirth Century switches made back in the 50's. They look great but I have no experience with them. Does anyone know if these switches are compatible with the old prewar "large-gear" locos?

Thanks again,

John

[ADCX Rob]

The original closed frog design GarGraves switches will work for you:

[BlueComet400]

Thanks Rob. I'm now in the hunt for some of these older switches.