Dan Padova posted:As I was working on some O22 post war switch tracks today, I couldn't help marvel at the quality of workmanship and design that went into them. It's probably my age, because forty years ago I had Lionel O22 switches on another layout and I'm sure I didn't think too deeply about them.
It's hard to think that if these were made today for the first time, that a design as intricate and well made as this would be a reality. Look how long these things have been around and we're still using and able to repair them.
The O22 switches are certainly very durable. I've rebuilt and modified several of them and have them in regular service. The non-derailing feature is unique and useful. For the most part the old Lionel product line was heavy-duty and made to last, although it was also quite expensive for its time.
For me, the main attraction of O-gauge trains is having predominately American-made Postwar items that still run well. I got practically all of them for cheap because I was able to do my own repairs on durable old items that were mostly built to be repairable.
