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Post by keithl on Nov 7, 2023 4:05:42 GMT
I have a Lionel 6-5166 O72 tubular switch that has started to throw weakly and incompletely in one direction (the out position) while still throwing strongly and completely in the other direction (the through position).
When operated manually, the switch is loosey-goosey in both directions. Just all the sudden, it doesn't have much oomph going to the out position.
Thoughts on what's causing this?
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Post by keithb on Nov 7, 2023 10:24:32 GMT
Maybe needs cleaned and lubed?
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Post by Adam on Nov 7, 2023 11:14:53 GMT
I wa shoot to say the same thing, clean and lube might do the trick. There are also plenty of YouTube videos showing how to repair and maintain these switches.
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Post by keithl on Nov 22, 2023 23:57:01 GMT
Gentlemen, thank you for your suggestions. Here's the outcome: The problem had to do with the contacts in the switch machine. Cleaning them helped slightly with the weak direction (the out position). I'll see over time if the improvement is enough so that trains don't derail. If so, great. The actual issue, though, wasn't dirt. It's that one of the brass strips on the base of the switch machine, on which a bronze contact slides, is partially worn away, compromising the electrical connection. Movement to the out position is associated with the worn brass strip. This results in the switch machine having less oomph in that direction. Here's a picture. It's the brass strip on the left.  If it turns out that the less-than-perfect throw to the out position is causing derailments, I'll either replace the switch machine, which seems to be available, or I'll replace the switch with a Ross tubular O72 switch. I've already replaced a different Lionel O72 switch with the Ross switch, and it's outstanding. |
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Post by david1 on Nov 23, 2023 1:15:25 GMT
Those switches were known not to be very good especially after some use. If you go with Ross and use tubular track they have a switch that is for tubular track. They are great.
Dave
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