Locomotive Can Not Take 031 Switch

It should take O42 switch sorry but that engine is rated for 042 curves or bigger!!

The SD70ACE will take a O-42 switch just fine, but will hit the switch housing on a 042 switch switch as you surmised, as it is the same footprint as the 022 31" diameter switch.

Are you talking about Lionel's old reliable 0-31 switch; # 022? If so, there can be interference problems with longer cars and engines with the switch machine housing. Weaver 4 bay ACF's are another car that has interference issues with these switches. I have modded a couple of switches by cutting a triangular piece from the offending corner of the cover using a hacksaw. You could also use a dremel.  Then just file everything smooth and cover the hole with a small piece of black electrical tape and it will be all but unnoticeable.  It may not be sexy but it works.

Another option is move the switch machine to the "outside" (side opposite from the curved track) of the switch, if space permits.

Rod

Another option is move the switch machine to the "outside" (side opposite from the curved track) of the switch, if space permits.

The switch machine is designed to be mounted to either side. It is held on by two screws on the bottom. 

Which 031 switch do you have? Lionel post war or a new Lionel or an MTH switch. Lionel's newer O gauge switches # 6-23010 can have the lantern housing cut off to make it fit better. The older post war switch as somebody else mentioned can have the housing turned around on it.

You can go to a Ross Custom switch for a better switch all the way around. However you will need adapter pins for O gauge track with the Ross switch. The reason I mention Ross is because it has the switch motor on the side like an Atlas H.O. switch does and Ross switches work better then Gargraves switches with MTH engines.

Lee Fritz

Many thanks to all above.  I will try cutting a corner out of the switch housing to see if I can get the SD70ACE into the siding.  Unfortunately what I have now is a lot of length room for the layout but not much width.  So have to keep the curves are sharp as possible.

Thanks again

Before cutting the switch motor cover, I would take the cover off and make sure the loco clears all of the switch motor mechanism.  If it clears, you should be able to see where to cut the cover and you can just put the cover on without screwing it down.

servoguy1 posted:

Before cutting the switch motor cover, I would take the cover off and make sure the loco clears all of the switch motor mechanism.  If it clears, you should be able to see where to cut the cover and you can just put the cover on without screwing it down.

If it is indeed a PW #022 switch (the OP has not specified that it is), there are no raised gears or other mechanism between the lantern and the front of the housing (nearest the track). It is perfectly safe to trim either corner of the upper housing.

Here is a picture with the bakelite cover removed:

Rod