I have four fast track 036 switches on my small layout. I have had repeated problems with one of them. It will sometimes stick and refuse to switch. It won't move using the switch control or manually. You can't even move the switch manually. To get it to work again, I need to take the bottom off the switch and use a little force to release the switch the plastic slider inside.
Has anyone else had this problem? If so, did you find a solution?
Thanks for any suggestions or solutions.
Rick
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I had a switch that had the same problem. In my case the gear on the switch motor would run out to the end of the "rack" and ride up the edge and get stuck there.
After close inspection I realized the motor mount was not fully tighten allowing the motor to pivot up just enough so the gear could climb out of the rack and get stuck at the end.
Snugging up the motor solved the problem.
I've also noticed that these switches can become finicky if not laid on a flat surface. An uneven surface can sometimes cause binding issues as well.
I had a switch that had the same problem. In my case the gear on the switch motor would run out to the end of the "rack" and ride up the edge and get stuck there.
After close inspection I realized the motor mount was not fully tighten allowing the motor to pivot up just enough so the gear could climb out of the rack and get stuck at the end.
Snugging up the motor solved the problem.
I've also noticed that these switches can become finicky if not laid on a flat surface. An uneven surface can sometimes cause binding issues as well.
When it's locked up, that's the time to carefully inspect it and see what is sticking, then you'll know how to proceed. I've had a couple that I had to tinker with the microswitch that senses the end of travel.
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