Another update:
1. As I said above, I have 3 problem switches where the auto derailing feature does not work. In one of these switches (048) I reversed the lead wires to the track and that corrected the auto derail but the controller lights remained opposite from what they should be. I tackled it again tonight. First, I switched the two three wire Molex connections that come from the microswitches. At that point nothing worked at all. Second, I switched the red and yellow motor wires in their Molex connection to the motherboard. The switches now threw but the auto derail feature would not work. So, lastly I switched the the lead wires back to their original position and VOILA everything works correctly!!! I took these ideas from different threads on this forum, so to their creators and contributors, I give my hearty thanks. I expect that the other two switches exhibiting the auto derailing problem and the controller lights issue (both 060's) will respond as well to the first two steps. Step 3 (switching the lead wires) should not be necessary as I had not switched them in the first place. We'll find out tomorrow. I must say that in order for this to work, I believe some wiring (possibly on the motherboard) was screwed up at the factory.
2. I then turned to the 060 switch that would not throw out. Using ideas from other threads, I did the following. First, even though the microswitch seemed completely closed on the out side, I taped the side of the rack to close any gap. That did nothing. Then I started to adjust the tightness of the screws to the motor. I then had varying degrees of success. The switch would throw both ways intermittently. I loosened the screws to the point where the motor no longer gripped the rack ( as evidenced by a loud whrrrr) then adjusted the tightening down in small increments. I was not able to attain any consistency throwing either way; the response was intermittent and erratic no matter the adjustment. Next, I thought there might be an interference issue with the Cab-1 controller. I held my hand over the switch and adjusted the brown receiving wire inside the switch, but response was still erratic. Sometimes the switch would try to throw but then stop, sometimes it would throw weakly, occasionally it would throw normally, and other times it didn't react at all. I tried Lionel service all day today receiving the same "voicemail box is full" message every time.
Does anyone have an idea as to what to try next or what I should ask from Lionel if they ever answer or email me? I can always buy another switch I guess; but why should I have to. With the failure rate in my lot at over 50%, who's to say a replacement will work? Of course, I would accept it if Lionel offered.
Any help or ideas would be deeply appreciated.
