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If plastic pins were in the wrong tracks of the switches are they ruined? Seems like no matter where I put constant voltage plug wire too, it draws current from the track controller. I can’t believe that I could do this when I was 12, now I’m 70 and completely lost even with the internet and You Tube. Maybe I should give up and when I’m gone My kids can figure it out!!

Bigbill posted:

If plastic pins were in the wrong tracks of the switches are they ruined? Seems like no matter where I put constant voltage plug wire too, it draws current from the track controller. I can’t believe that I could do this when I was 12, now I’m 70 and completely lost even with the internet and You Tube. Maybe I should give up and when I’m gone My kids can figure it out!!

Nothing is harmed except listening to the points bang back and forth.  When inserted, the constant voltage plug opens a contact away from the center pin so a fixed AC voltage from transformer powers the turnout instead of variable track power.  Refer to the instructions posted above for proper fiber pin placement.  Insure pin has a ridged shoulder to keep the control rail from touching the outside common rails, otherwise the turnout will chatter.

It would be highly unlikely that the switch motors were modified but someone for some reason could have soldered around the contact blade for better contact.  But if you you have had these all your life and never opened them up then this paragraph is moot.

However if this is first time in 60+ years you have operated them, it might be a good idea to open up motors to clean contacts and sliding parts, sparingly apply fresh Lubriplate lubricant (consult a Lionel repair manual or someone here will chime in with how to.)

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
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