Using Lionel 0-72 turnouts (switches)

Trevor Dec 12, 2004

  1. Trevor

    Trevor New Member

    5
    0
    12
    I am new to the hobby, and in the process of converting the dining room into a large O guage layout. I have built the outer loop, including some 0-72 turnouts that will enable crossovers to an inner loop that goes in next. I tried running some trains over the outer loop, but I am having problems with train cars "derailing" on the switches. What is happening is that then last set of wheels, the rear wheel trucks, of the last car in any group of cars that ruin through the switch are jumping up onto "the points that swivel" of the switch. Let me try to explain that a little better: The switch is set for the train to continue straight through the switch and not to go onto the turnout. Yes, I made sure all the connections with the track are tight, and yes the "swivelling points" part is set fully in the position to let the cars go straight through. The first few cars do fine, but the the flange of the wheels on the last car ride up onto the metal point, and then slip over to align the wheels onto the turnout track. Happens every time with different manufacturers of cars, engines, etc. If I run an engine through with a tender, it happens to the rear wheels of the tender. If I add a car or a caboose to the train, the tender goes through just fine, but the rear wheels of the final car get fouled.

    Very frustrating!!

    Also, I noticed that this did not happen at first, but then (after about 30 minutes of "operating") it was consistent with every switch (turnout) that I had installed. Could the switch metal have "heated up" and expanded?

    Any advice appreciated.

    Trevor in Lancaster, PA
     
  2. Trevor

    Trevor New Member

    5
    0
    12
    I think I may have found a way to make the problem a little better. Previously, I had an O-42 curve section leading into each switch (turnout). I wondered if the curve section somehow "aligned" the wheels in a way that led them to ride up onto the swing points. So, I replaced the curved sections of track with straight sections and now the train cars go through without jumping over to the turnout track. BUT, I'd like to be able to run from a curved section into the switch, so I am still looking for advice.
    Thanks!
    Trevor
     
  3. Greg Elems

    Greg Elems Staff Member

    1,355
    1
    32
    Hi Trevor,

    How is the layout progressing? It's been a long time since I've operated 3-rail trains and even longer since I've used O-72. Who makes the ones you are using? The ones I had experience with were Lionel's from the 60's. They were on a modular club layout. We did have an incident where the inside train started to cross over to the out side loop. There was a buzzing noise as I recall and the switch was trying to change and the points were floating. I don't remember what we did to fix it. May have been a short in the motor part that actually changed the point direction. Anyway, hope you can get it resolved.

    Greg
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
    It's been a long time since my last experiences with Lionel O-72. I don't recall ever having troubles with their switches. Are the more recent versions built somewhat differently? I'll bet they are "modernized."

    :D

    Boxcab E50
     

Share This Page