0-36 Fastrack switch problem

[elsretired]

I have gleaned CTT forum postings and have not really seen someone who is experiencing the problem that I have encountered with these manual switches.  I would like to be able to run my engines through the switches at a slow speed but find often times the engine will stop and/or the transformer will show a short when there is none.  I am unable to tell you if I would experience the same problem with my many diesels but know that my problem definitely exists with Lionel and MTH steam locos.  Can anyone suggest what I should check at the switch?

[phillyreading]

,

Are you running large steam engines(4-8-4 or more wheels) or short steam(2-4-2) engines? With larger steam engines the center rail roller is possibly making contact with an outside rail at the frog on the switch area, and causing a momentary short. The only other possibilty is to go with the 048 or 072 size switches.

Lee F.

[Demay]

Lee already pointed out a possibility and he has much more experience than me, but I will offer what I know as well.  I use three manual O36 Fastrack switches (turnouts) and have experienced the same type of problem.  The simplest fix for me has been to make sure I clean the track rails very well, and also make sure the locomotive pickup rollers are clean too.  Dirty rails, especially on the switches, will cause problems with the locomotive getting the proper amount of current.

Regards,

Joe

[servoguy]

If the transformer shows a short, there is a short.  Believe the transformer.  I suggest you manually move the loco through the switch and discover where the short is.  Cover the outside rail in the vicinity of the short with tape and the problem should go away.  Pick the switch up so you can see what the pickup roller is doing as the engine goes through the switch.

BB

[phillyreading]

Like what Bruce suggests, try to get an eye level veiw of things to see where the short is occurring on the switch, most likely it is at a crossing point of two rails.

I don't know what the Fastrac switches are like in design, but I had problems with the newer Lionel 6-23011 series switches, finally had to add a shim made of copper on one of the rail areas to use the switch with a Williams SD-45 diesel engine.

Lee F.