Power for 022 Switches

[Anonymous]

I need some assistance in powering/wiring 022 switches. I have a Christmas layout set up that consists of two concentric ovals. The two ovals are not connected in any way. A circle bisects the inner oval using two 022 switches. The outer oval contains no switches. I have two older transformers that are in great shape - a small Lionel 1010 (two posts) and a Lionel 1033 (four posts). I’m using the 1010 to power the inner oval because I’m using a small locomotive (2025) with just a couple of cars. I want to use the Lionel 1033 to power the outer oval because I’m using a larger locomotive with several cars – the 1010 doesn’t have enough juice. MY PROBLEM: The inner oval really doesn’t have enough power from the 1010 to properly operate the switches. What I’d like to do, if possible, is isolate the switches from track power and supply power to them directly by the 1033 transformer (which is also powering the outside oval). Can it be done? I really only need to power the far switch – the other can be operated manually. If I can’t use the 1033, can I power the two switches another way that won’t draw power from the 1010? I do have two fixed voltage plugs.

[Anonymous]

The fixed voltage plugs act as a disconnect for track power when plugged in. Supply in phase power from an aux terminal/source and plug the fixed voltage plugs in and you should be set.

[phillyreading]

I would suggest going to a larger tansformer to power the 022 switch as that switch can take up to 18 volts to work correctly with the fixed voltage plugs.
Your transformers have around 30 watts & 75 watts, you need at least two 75 watt transformers or a KW transformer. The 1010 can not power much at all, upgrade to a second 1033 for the switch.
Lee.

[Anonymous]

OK. Thanks for both responses. I agree that I need to get another/larger transformer but will probably have to wait until after Christmas. I'm just getting back into the Lionels after a long departure so I'll need to ramp up over time. How can I best power this one switch through the holidays this year? Chuckn's responses sounded good but not sure about phasing the transformers - what/how? I understand that the fixed voltage plug would be connected to say the "C" post. Then what? Don't I need another connection to the switch from the 1033? Thanks for your help.

[lionelsoni]

With your transformers connected as they are, also connect the A and C terminals of the 1033, one to the outside rails of the inner loop and one to the fixed-voltage plugs of the switches. If the two loops were not separate, there would be some further considerations--but they're not. Don't worry about "phasing"--it's not necessary for this arrangement.

[Anonymous]

The return path for the current will be through the "common" (aka the outer rails) back to the common posts on the transformer.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help everyone. Now I’m having another, probably more serious problem. I’ll start another post but here’s the gist of it… my 2025 locomotive that has always run great has now, just today, started hesitating. It is intermittently slowing and making a grinding sound. It started off on pretty infrequent but is almost becoming constant now. I tried a little gear oil on the exposed gears but it didn’t help. Is tere any other lubricating that might help? Other suggestions? I’m having a Christmas party tomorrow night and there will be some disappointed kids, self included, if the only steamer on the Christmas layout is out of commission. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Rob

[lionelsoni]

That sounds a lot like the behavior of my Korean-war 2026, which I attributed to worn armature bearings. I replaced the motor with one from a 2037 rather than try to fix it, since the 2026 motor was a bad design anyway.