Over time, Lionel Trains’ postwar, tubular 0-22 O-gauge switches often develop a broken solder joint. This problem renders the non-derailing feature unreliable at best, or non-functional at worst.
I could go into many reasons why intermittent operation of the broken solder joint can cause problems. Namely, when an operator uses a main line and two sidings to allow a multitrain operation — i.e., ensuring that as the train exits the departure siding, it immediately resets the distant entrance switch to guide it back to the correct siding. I find it easy to use the non-derailing feature of the 0-22 switch to trip (a.k.a., align) the opposite switch without complex logic.
I took two photos that highlight the problem, and a simple soldered wire that is the solution. I resoldered the broken tab, and added an extra wire to ensure that the electrical connection remains active should the original solid tab break again from the vibration associated with use.
I’ve taken every 0-22 switch I own and fixed and/or modified them as shown in the second picture.
Important notes:
- Solder the wire onto the insulated rail only
- Place a piece of electrical tape over the repair to ensure it does not contact the metal backing plate when reassembled.
Read a discussion about the same switch in our forum.
