I had a pair of black, metal based, electric 027 mid-50's switches for my 1947 Lionel set. After many years of use,  the locomotive would stall out every time it passed over either switch. Every car with power (whistle tender, lighted caboose, etc.) would spark as it passed over the switch if I cranked enough power through the transformer to give the locomotive enough momentum to clear the switch without stalling. I replaced the switches with a pair of modern Lionel electric (brown plastic base, un-lighted) ones and have the exact same problem. The switches function as they should otherwise.

I've got the plastic track pins installed per the instructions and have no clue what my problem is. Other than at the switches the train runs great. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Joe Grits

Larry -

I did as suggested. The caboose lights flicker off over both swithches and I hear a buzzing sound as it crosses the switch. I see some sparking from the wheels as they approach the next track connection. I think I have plenty of lockons. The layout is only a 4' x 8' oval with a pass through from end to end. I have 3 lockons installed already to try to overcome the power loss I'm experiencing at the switches. There are two, one on either side of the far switch about 8' from the transformer and one about a foot from the transformer.

The train doesn't slow down as it approaches the switches, it just quits right at the switch unless I accelerate enough for it to clear the dead spot. What do you think?

Joe