Command control switch problems

Tom RoehrOGR Forum Member

I have been collecting items for my layout for over 5 years including 38 command control switches which I wired for auxiliary power . I did not test anything until final assembly about a month ago at which time 11 of switches were found to have the aux-in terminal directly soldered to the center rail By moving the aux power wire to the track power terminal the switches seem to work properly. I am surprised that no one else has posted such a problem. These items were purchased from several different train stores so I cannot say where the bad ones came from. Lionel will not acknowledge the problem (won't reply to email). In addition many of the 60 diameter switches came out of the package with scuffed rails as if they were returned items that had been repackaged . Has anyone else experienced these problems?

2/28/197:33 PM

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trainbobOGR Forum Member

At auctions there are usually hobby stores bidding on items. I wonder if sometimes they sell them as new even though they are preowned. Some items sold at auctions do look brand new. This would explain the scuff marks

2/28/198:04 PM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

This is a known issue with some versions of the switch. See below PDF for the fixes.

Fastrack Remote Switches Shorting Issue Fix.pdf

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2/28/198:05 PM

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Tom RoehrOGR Forum Member

I received this "fix.pdf" previously and after comparing it to my problem found it to be totally different. As I said, the "aux in" terminal is soldered directly to the middle rail and bypasses the control circuitry. By simply changing to the "track power" terminal the aux power is properly directed and the switch works as it should - no change is made to the switch itself. I cannot believe that having 11 of my 38 switches so wired that no one else on this forum has ever run into this problem. Thanks anyway

3/2/1911:00 AM

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geysergazerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Yes, I have seen this problem. It happens when the terminal block in the switch is assembled in the wrong order.

With the sheet metal cover off.

The terminal block lifted off the body.

Showing that the terminal block is comprised of individual pieces. Someone could reverse the order of the individual block pieces during assembly causing the problem you experienced.

Lew.