Hi,
SO I’m just starting out with my inherited set of Lionels. I have put together a track that is pretty cool and uses two switches in a “bone” configuration (loops at each end with a single peice of track connecting).
I am noticing that the switches are humming loudly and I’m pretty sure I did something wrong! (the train is going though.)
Also, I remember that not ALL the connectors between tracks are supposed to be metal when connecting the switches. How does this work? I have no reference info whatsoever.
And another thing: there are wiring posts on my switches… is it possible to hook the switches up to automatically switch when the train is approaching from a given direction? …Without getting too elaborate?
You’ll get a better response if you post the question over on the “Classic Toy Trains” forum. I know it’s a bit confusing that Trains has two forums with similar names, but this one is for real trains. The “Classic Toy Trains” forum specializes in the stuff you are interested in.
very quickly: I think the rails from the frog (the short ones) are used to run the non-derailing feature. However, they have to be insulated from the rest of the track with a plastic pin (Lionel calls them FIBER PINS). The hum is because the switch is constantly trying to turn both directions at once.
Take all the rails off of the end of the switches. mow turn the track power on and use a short piece of wire to touch the outer rails at the end of the switches. This should cause the switch to change. Now you have to put the insulated pins in those rails.