DZ-1000 switch troubles

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I bought four of these a few years ago, hooked them up as carefully as I can, and they work well enough less than half the time. Sometimes they completely switch the turnout, but most of the time they don’t. I am using them with Ross custom turnouts, using Lionel KW transformer for variable power. Cranking up the voltage doesn’t help much. Do these work well for anyone? If so, any advice for me?

Thanks!

sschullery–new guy

2

I have 25 of them, and been very pleased. I do apply graphite powder occasionally to the switch lever where it goes under the switch points. Also, you may want to adjust the 3 mounting screws, if they are too tight or the switch motor assembly is not level they will have trouble activating. Additionally the switch itself should be securely mounted to prevent vertical movement. You may want to remove the spring, and see how the switch motor responds, and manually move the switch to ensure there is not any resistance.

3

If this is the model with the spring wire between the throw bar and the switch machine, you may have to tweak the wire a little to put more pressure on the throw bar.

Ray

4

There is a little spring that connects the turnout throw to the switch machine. Since the machine fails equally in both directions, I don’t see how bending the spring can help. Thanks for the thought.

Steve

5

The sticky/reluctant symptom remains with the free standing switch machines–four of them. Do I have a bad batch?

6

A few years ago I had a similar experience with a couple of my DZ-1000s, but I used the opportunity to upgrade to the DZ-2500. Best bet is to check in with Z-Stuff for Trains at drzander@aol.com – see my March 2012 Weekend Workshop:

http://ctt.trains.com/en/sitecore/content/Magazine%20Issues/2012/March%202012.aspx

I’m not sure if Z-Stuff is still offering a credit for upgrades, but Dennis Z, and Co. can surely assist with your current issue. – Kent

7

Try loosening the mounting screws, sounds like you might have them cinched down too tight, restricting movement.

8

Very common problem. I too have about 15 DZ-1000s on Ross turnouts. I can usually trace the problem to the push button actuators themselves & not the actual machines/springs. Try swapping around those push button actuators to isolate the problem. If you have the turnouts themselves configured as crossovers you might be able to gang two machines to one push button switch, thus conserving the push buttons that work well . Good luck trying to find replacement push buttons. [banghead]

9

Don,

They don’t work right even when totally detached from the track. I think I’m going to trade them in on the newer model.

Thanks to all.

Steve