Hi all , longtime lurker looking for help.
I am a retired EE and have finally gotten the time and space start my empire. I am using tubular O gauge track and switches. I have several O22’s I picked up that I am working on refurbishing. I have scanned the net and am using some of the great tutorials from here. I have run into two problems that I have not seen addressed. I am sure they have been asked and answered somewhere but I can’t find them.
1. One of my switches, bayonet base bulb so I believe pre 1950, has one of the binding head screws that attach the switch machine to the switch that is sheared off. Unfortunately it is the one whose nut is under the O22 nameplate. I am looking for suggestion on how to safely remove the drive screws that hold the nameplate on so I can replace the nut. I am worried about pressing too much from the backside through the drive screw holes to try and push them out as I hate the thought of breaking the Bakelite. The tops of the drive screws are so small I don’t think I can Dremel a slot in them. I guess I could just grind them off. Or do I need to try and ezout what’s left of the binding head screw from the back? This route seems risky as the head is missing and the screw is small. For the record I am not worried about maintaining the originality of the switch and if I destroy the nameplate in the process I will use the switch in the out of view areas.
2. I am looking for suggestions on how to better prep these screws on the other switches for removal so this doesn’t happen again. Would a liquid wrench soak perhaps free them up? Perhaps putting the entire unit in an evapo rust bath? I don’t know how the internal wiring etc. would like that.
Thanks much in advance
Bill
