hello and question on 022 switches

[msacco]

Hello,
I've posted a little but I should formally introduce myself. My name is Mike and I'm just now laying tubular O gauge track on my postwar styled 2 4x8 "L"
layout.
I run mostly postwar with some new traditional sized stuff thrown in.
This is the second time I've laid track as my first attempt was with someone's old bench work and the trains ran very poorly. New sturdy benchwork this time and two of my connecting loops are up and the trains run quite nicely.
However, I've have one Postwar 022 switch that is shorting and occassionally stopping locos. I can see the lantern light flicker on the passes when the loco gets through. When I push slightly down on the center rail of the swivel assembly I can see the light bulb flicker so I'm sure this is something.
Still a newbie with switch repair so I"m wondering if anyone can offer suggestions. I could swap the switch out but was wondering if this is a simple fix. Thanks in advance.

Mike Sacco
Saint James, Long Island, NY

[Anonymous]

Hi Mike ,
Sorry I can't be of help with the switch problem but I am curious about the post war layout you mentioned. Can you give any details. I saw one recently in a group of train layouts I downloaded from CTT, that fits the descriptrion of the one you mentioned in your post.

Kindest regards,

Pete

Pete

[msacco]

Pete,
that's the layout but I'm doing the non-angled version or modified version. It's an old layout from the bAntam Model Railroading book that Lionel put out. I've moved the switches on one of the loops to give more room for the elevated though.
You can run three trains on this layout although two might be more interesting.
Laying track right now and coming along nicely. My first real layout.

Mike S.

[Anonymous]

Mike,

Check the insulators on the center rail of the sections of track that connect to the switch. An insulator could be torn or moved just enough to allow the rail to touch the metal tie when pressure is applied. This could explain why the short occurs when a train passes.

Jim

[wrmcclellan]

Mike,

Difficult to tell what the problem might be from what you have detailed so far. Further diagnosis will require you to disassemble the switch by removing the motor from the track base.

Here is a link to Olsen's Toy Train repair library. This is a link to a detailed description of the 022 switch and its electrical diagram.

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=673

Take a look and see if this helps you any.

I had an erratic 022 switch where it turns out the base was slightly bent and so contact with critical bronze electrical pads and pins between the track base and motor was intermittent. Mine was not easily repairable, so I just picked up another 022 at a local train show for $15.

Good luck. Let us know how we can help.

BTW - if someone can remember - either CTT or OGR had a detailed repair and tuneup article on the 022.

Regards,
Roy

[phillyreading]

The 022 switches have a side plug-in for constant voltage, the connecting pin to center
spring may be loose causing it to flicker. You must take the switch out of the layout and remove screws from under neath to remove cover to the solenoid, solenoid must be removed first to further remove screws holding bottom plate.
If you still need help after all the replies sent to you, email me at : [e-mail].
I love to work on the post war items or prewar. I have two prewar trains, one from 1938 and one from1940.
Lee F. in south FL

[msacco]

Thanks for all the help on this. Jim hit the nail on the head. Removed the switch and checked the switch separately and no flicker or short
. It turns out the track around the switch must have had insulating problems. I swapped them out and all is well.

thanks again,
mike S.