slow down switches...

[ctmajka]

I have multiple pairs of Lionel manual O-27 switches, and whenever I make a layout with a pair of switches in it, as soon as the engine goes over one switch, it slows down, and when it rolls over the other one, it speeds back up to the proper setting. Has anyone else experienced this problem? And if so, what did you do to resolve it?

[brianel027]

ctmajka, sounds like you are having a power loss between the two switches. My nephew's layout has a variety of 027 swtiches from differing periods and we have no problems on his.

On my layout, I have heavily altered my switches by chopping off everything but the actual track. Which meant popping the metal underside plate. The plate does conduct electricity for the track, so I ended up soldering several feeder wires underneath every switch to be sure that electricity was flowing.

Sounds to me like you could have a defective switch as far as electric flow goes. BBUT double check and be sure all the metal track pins are in place too. You might want to crimp the rails with a pair of pliers to be sure the connection is tight (that has worked in the past for me). This could also be the problem. Another fix would be for you to put one or two feeder wires from the transformer to the section of track between the switches (one for outside and center rails).

[ChiefEagles]

Brian is right. Opposing switches especially will cause it. Due to the insulating pins in the switches [having to bridge common]. Jumpers to the track section between switches will do it.