Trainsounds Tender and 022 Switch problem

[eness76]

Hello everyone, first time poster, long time lurker.  I've always found great info here from you guys, but this is one I couldn't find.  I'm running a conventional layout, using a MTH Z-1000 transformer and postwar 022 switches.  When pulling the tender at higher speeds thru the switches, the sound of a "crash" happens.  It almost sounds like somebody dropping the bell they use for the bell sounds, it's very odd, and of course the chuffing cuts out while it does this.  If I cruise around very slowly it chuffs thru the switches no problem.  I tried powering up the track and just pushing the tender thru the switches by hand and found the same thing happened.  The center rail contacts seem to be far enough apart that one is always making good contact over the break in the switch.  Oh, this happens when the switch is in the straight position.  Any help you can provide would be much appreciated.  Thanks,
Eric

[HopperSJ]

WOW! 10 hours with no reply!!!!! I at least want to say . I wish I had some help, but I have no experience with the trainsounds tenders. I hope someone gets back to you soon.

Again, .

[eness76]

Thanks for the Welcome aboard.  I just can't seem to figure it.  It seems like it would have something to do with an interruption in power, but when I roll slowly it does just fine, when you would think it would get a prolonged interruption versus going fast.  I looked and it doesn't seem like the roller could contact the frame and short the thing out over the switches.  I don't know, it's odd because it does just fine on my outer loop with no switches. 

[phillyreading]

Eric,

Have you tried using current production MTH switches for O gauge track?  This may help to cut down on the problem.  One other way is to add a small capacitor to the tender's wiring to keep the voltage constant when going across the post war 022 switches.

Have heard of more complaints about the brand new Lionel 022 switches rather than post war 022 switches.

Does the tender have a battery in it? If so the battery may need charging or replacing.

Lee F.

[Anonymous]

Eric,
To the boards!

I had this same thing happen with my C&O Berk with Lionel Trainsounds running on the FasTrack O-36 switches.  Check the wiring on the switch and make sure you have no shorts.  I pulled my switch and rewired it and it solved the problem.  Also, if the switch has an isolated block, make sure the block is truely isolated (no way for the current to jump the gap).

Brent