Is it proper to lubricate an 1122 switch? If so, what should be used and where do I put it. Thanks,
Terry Thomann Fredericksburg, Virginia That is me on the left. My brother got the train TCA 09-64381
The mechanism is simple but I would not use an oil or grease. They collect dust and dry out over time. Looking at the picture two places could use a dry lubricant. I use a graphite in alcohol solution commonly used for locks.The disadvantage is that the graphite conducts electricity! The bar connected to the plunger and the lamp holder held in by the brass rivet.The plastic gear won't need any but should be checked and replaced if worn. The arm going to the track is suspended and has no dragging parts.Next comes the tricky part the sliding bar. You could let the alcohol spread the graphite and hope for the best or remove the bar. You could polish up the area under the bar and the bottom of the bar if removed. They have a rough finish and some rubbing compound would help. The hard part is bending the plunger to get it out. That piece has to be straight when reinstalled. From looking at the picture you may be able to bend the base plate edgee and slide out the piece to the top? I haven't done this recently. This picture is a new purchase I haven't used yet.
Other than lubricating , you need the power to run it, long thin wires increase ressistance and you loose effieciency. So the problem could be electrical in nature.
If a switch doesn't work right I would suspect the coils are going bad or the plastic gear is worn in one place. Used, these switches are so inexpensive. Out of 6 I had purchased , only one gave me problems. I hope this helps.
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