Lionel 1122 switch problems

[lionelsoni]

That's a good question. K-Line has shut down. E-Bay, train shows, and stores that still have stock would seem to be the choices.

[Fred Bear]

The K Line O gauge switches you mentioned, where do I find them, and what can a person expect to pay for them? Thanks again, Jake

[Fred Bear]

The K Line O gauge switches you mentioned, where do I find them, and what can a person expect to pay for them? Thanks again, Jake

[ADCX Rob]

Fred, the 022 switches are identical to the 711, 721, & modern era 0-72 switches electrically, meaning they will shut their solenoids off when the intended throw is completed, reducing/eliminating the sparking at the control rails. This feature, in conjuction with the fixed voltage capability inherent in the design, makes them a superior choice in R-T-R sectional track switches. Keep in mind that K-Line O gauge and 0-27 profile track switches also are similarly equipped and are generally a good value for the price compared to the Lionel items.

Rob

[Fred Bear]

Thanks for the answers Bob, one last question. Will the 022's cure the problem of sparking? The 072's I have now do not spark at all, will the older Lionel 022's in the 31 radius spark? Thanks, Jerry

[lionelsoni]

It's harmless.

[Fred Bear]

If 022 switches will cure this, I'll simply buy 4 022 switches, and scrap out the 1122's. I have a bundle of them hanging around unfortunately. If the 022's will not cure the problem, then I'll have to scrap out that layout design and go to plan B, which will be difficult, because I don't have a plan B.
Will the sparking hurt anything? Thanks again, Jake

[lionelsoni]

Sparking increases if the wheels are not clean; but even clean wheels will spark normally. Having four turnouts' motors connected together is probably exacerbating the problem in your case, since each contraol rail is trying to operate four solenoids at once. Short of operating the turnouts individually or in pairs, I can think of two things to try if cleaning the wheels does not help enough:

Add a microswitch to each turnout to disconnect each coil after the turnout has been thrown. This is what Lionel does for their O22 switches. It is possible to screw a low-force switch to the deck, with its lever going into the motor housing through a slot and engaging another slot in the plastic throw rod. I have done this with numerous O27 turnouts to control power to sidings.

Rewire your switches for separate power and power them from capacitors. If you use a sufficiently long recharge time, there will be no significant sparking after they throw.

Both of these cures unfortunately require taking the turnouts apart, which is a lot of trouble. You can search the forum for past discussions of the best way to do this.

[Fred Bear]

I have some 1122 switches, 4 of the, placed in a double loop to either make the train run the X pattern, or when the switch is tossed, it runs the outside of the loop, not touching the X part of the layout. The switches are wired in unison and throw just right, one toss of the switch throws all 4 switches. Problems arise however when the train runs over the switches, they spark like crazy! The train still tracks well, but the sparking is excessive. Any ideas from anyone? Running 1666;s and Lionel 027 track. Jake