Chattering 022 Switch

[mitchelr]

Hi Folks,

Another switch question. Last night, with no apparent changes to my layout (other than moving some switch control wires under the table) , one of my 022 switches that is back to back with another switch started chattering. It will not stay straight. When I try to move it from curve to straight, it bounces back and forth like crazy and will not stay straight.

Caused quite a derailment[:(][:(]. Nothing was damaged.

Any ideas??

Mitch[|)][|)][|)]

[nitroboy]

Make sure the fiber pins have not broken away in the track sections, check for metal debris on the switch itself.

[phillyreading]

Mitch,
Check the spacing between the insulating pins and the edges of the track, and proper
placement of the insulating pins. One last thing to look for is inside the cover for the solenoid, check to see if a wire has fallen off or shorted out. Usually 022 switch problems are wiring of the switch or insulating pin problems. Doulbe check your under table wiring just to be sure you have no short underneath.
Lee Fritz in West Palm Beach FL.

[sulafool]

If none of those work, pull up the switch and remove the bottom. Look for broken/unsoldered connecting straps. Usually it is a short that causes this problem, but the other day I had a 5133 switch doing the same thing and it was a broken strap.

[mitchelr]

I must have had a kink or short in the controller wire. I retraced the wire and made sure it was not stretched or pulled to tight in the clip that holds it up under the layout. I tried it again and now it is working fine.

[banghead]

Let's hope it stays fixed.

Mitch

[jlrocks]

I have a chattering o22 as well but it only chatters when the train crosses over the switch. In the dark you can see some sparks where the wheels of the train meet the rail. Is it a problem with the insulator pins or internal in the switch?