I bought a brand new Lionel left hand 0-72 switch and when I have the train go left the thing buzzes and the light shakes. When I have it go striaght it doesn't buzz. Any Ideas why?
Non-derailment feature insulating pin missing or misplaced. Since it's new, your switch instruction sheet should illustrate correct placement.
Any number of short circuit faults as well, i.e., crossed wire connections from switch controller to switch, internal switch controller fault, internal switch motor wiring short, etc.
Sometimes it helps to remove the switch and test it separately.
I had the same problem with a 5121 turnout. As Hap said, take it out & test separately. However, add a section of track to each part of the turnout & attach a lockon to one of them. I didn't do that & kept introducing a short into the turnout. Chased that around for days, even with a lot of help from others here. I used a spare truck set to check operation of non-derailment feature.
My turnout had been working fine & I don't know what shorted out, but when I removed it, reinstalled the fibre & metal pins correctly, hooked up as above, it works again.
Charlie
The finger switch leaves on the switch motor(Lionel calls it the "contact plate" on the "moving contact assembly") are out of adjustment and are not shutting off power as the points are thrown for left. This causes passing trains to trigger the "left" solenoid whenever axles bridge the trip section on the switch to the opposite outside rail.
They are tricky to adjust. Study them carefully and make only tiny adjustments at a time.
Rob
Thanks. I took the switch motor off and checked the leaves and put it back together and it works fine now.
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