GarGraves posted:Tony,
We would like to know how you made out with your O-42 switch concern. One thing we wondered about is whether or not you connected both of the outside rails to common. This would have maintained the common connection needed to keep the train running. The isolated rail for non-derailing would still work as designed.
I did connect both outside rails to common everywhere I did a power drop. This is only a 5x8 layout and I have 6 power connections on the loop with the O42 switches. This was more than my original design but when I realized the switches did not carry power through them, I added a couple of drops.
I believe my problem with the smaller locos is due to the way I did the isolated rail for the non-derailing feature. I isolated the frog rail 3" beyond the switch so there is roughly a 6" gap for common on the frog side of both the through and turnout. This gap coupled with the placement of the rubber tires on smaller engines seems to be the issue. You should be able to see what I mean looking at the attachment. If you zoom in on the frog rail, you can see where it is isolated.
1 switch did actually have a failure. One of the points was misaligned and most everything I tried to run through the switch derailed. The point actually broke off the slider. I epoxied it to the slider to get me through the holidays and my dealer ordered me a replacement. Fortunately, the turnout for this switch was a siding that I really didn't need to do anything with except put something on it.
I appreciate you checking in! PM me with contact info if you would like any more info.
Tony
