I have about 12 pairs of 022 switches that I am going to check to make sure that they still work. Last time I checked they all worked fine with fixed voltage plugs and controllers. Now, I saw that someone wrote that if you have (2) 022 switches together, they will not work. I have designed my layout and have a few places where the (2) 022 switches are joined together at the curved section of the 022 switches. Yes, the fiber pins are in both outside rails where they are joined. Will they work just fine or not? Even if I use fixed voltage plugs, which I always do. But, I did notice that when my locomotives go across these 022 switches, the e-unit is disconnected and put into neutral when crossing the point where the (2) 022 switches are joined. How do I fix this? Well, I finished my design of my layout for next christmas and I need more 022 switches. I have not bought any 022 switches in a long time. What is the going rate for a pair of 022 switches boxed with controllers, fixed voltage plugs, bulbs and lanterns?? I bought mine many years ago for about $35 to $40 a pair/boxed. I am guessing about $50 a pair/boxed by now. I am going to a show tomorrow (saturday) and might get some there. Thanks.
Ordinarily, we expect that when we plug a section of track that has track voltage from the transformer to another section of track, that second section will also have track voltage, supplied through the track pins from the first section. Occasionally, we isolate one of the outside rails of a stretch of track; but the other outside rail suffices to extend the track voltage past the stretch with the isolated rail and on to the sections beyond it. With tubular and some other kinds of track, there is a built-in connection, through the metal ties for example, to get both outside rails connected together after the isolated-rail section.
But when an isolated control rail on one side of the track is followed immediately by one on the other side of the track, there is no outside rail connection between the sections. This often occurs at a crossover using anti-derailing turnouts like the 022. The fix is simple: Run a wire to the outside rails of the part of the track that would otherwise be isolated. You can do this with a lockon or whatever other method you like for attaching wires to track. Or you can use the center terminals of the two 022 turnouts that are causing the problem. The center terminals are connected to the outside rails; so running a wire from the center terminal of one turnout to the center terminal of the other provides a substitute for the connection that is interrupted by the insulating pins between the two turnouts.
The same trick works for O27 turnouts, except that the terminal to connect is the one closest to the switch machine, the one on the shiny plate, not the center terminal.
Bob Nelson
So, I would attach a wire from the center Post of one 022 switch to the center Post of the other 022 switch, then run another wire from that center post to the lockon to the outside rail. Is this correct?? And then can I still use my controllers which are 3 wires connected to the 3 posts on the 022 switches? Thanks.
There's no need for running a wire to the lockon if you just connect the two center posts, although there's no harm in it either. Yes, connect the controllers in the usual way.
I guess I will not use a lockon then. Thanks for the help!!
Well, I picked up 4 pairs of 022 switches for $170. Thats $42.50/pair. They do need a little work. Some of the controllers need rewired, need some bulbs, and need some dusting off. Otherwise, they are in very good condition, will clean up to excellent. I have the 3 conductor wires to rewire the controllers. How many volts do you operate your 022 switches at?? I use 18 volts to operate my switches with fixed voltage plugs. Will 20 Volts hurt my 022 switches?? I know the bulb is rated at 18 Volts and if it is higher than18 volts the lanterns will melt. Has happened to me in the past. Thats prolley why I bought 4 more 022 lanterns. The repros melt, but the originals do not. I cannot find some originals anywhere. Just that some of my original lanterns had the tabs broken off and I had to replace them with repros. I have 16 pairs of 022 switches, 13 of them are boxed. All 16 pairs are complete and working great with 18 volts on a Z transformer. Now, I did a new layout design on RR Track and it has (28) 022 switches. I think it was 15 lefts and 13 rights. My layout is 15 x 8. I have about 25 accessories and I use (5) Z's and a ZW and a KW. I can run only 3 trains at one time. One on the main line, an elevated train with budd cars, and a gang car line. But, I can have up to 10 locomotives parked on the main line in sidings or freight yards. It is all original postwar lionel O gauge. I am just worried about one thing. Its a new design and I have not predrilled any holes for the wiring to go under the table. I wonder how I intend to reach the middle of the layout to drill those holes?? I was thinking, maybe just do it by section at a time and lay the track then predrill any holes and attach the wires to the switches and accessories. Good thing I have a lot of 022 switches, they are very important when expanding a layout. It is a real pain to wire up 25 accessories and (28) 022 switches. But, Its worth it to see the smiles on the kids faces. Thanks.
Well, I checked out 9 pairs of my 022 switches and all worked fine except one. The others all work fine with fixed voltage and about 18 Volts to them. I tested the non-derailing features on all. The one switch is having problems with the non-derailing feature on it. I believe on the straight section is not working. How do I fix this?? I checked the soldering joints and the metal strips underneath, all looks good. Should I try to resolder the joints?? I still have 3 more pairs to check tomorrow and then 4 more pairs on Monday, as UPS will bring me a gift of 4 more pairs of 022 switches. Might have to rewire some controllers and some cleaning up. Thanks.
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