Defective turnout kills new switchs

[jimdavis88]

I have a defective Bachmann HO turnout and when I connect a new turnout switch, it kills the new switch. Using my multi-meter, you normally see nothing from center pole of output to either side pole, until you move the switch, then you momentarily see 16v. After I connect the new turnout switch to my defective turnout, I try to work the switch and nothing. Then I remove the turnout cable from the switch, the voltage now on the new turnout switch outputs poles is reading a constant 16v, both sides and operating the switch does nothing. I killed three turnout switches this way until I learned what is happening. The defective turnout must somehow short out and burn out some type of component in the Bachmann turnout switch???

I can't find any Bachmann turnout switches to buy. Where do I buy them? Or do you recommend another brand of turnout switch? I have 21Bachmann HO EZ Track turnouts (including two crossovers).

[Syl]

I am using PECO switchbox and switches as replacement of the standart turnout switch.
Works great and no need for welding.
It is a little bit expensive but I love them.

PL-50 Turnout Switch Module
https://peco-uk.com/products/turnout-switch-module
https://www.walthers.com/turnout-switch-box

Pl-26 Switches (in different colors)
https://peco-uk.com/collections/electric/products/red-passing-contact-switch
https://www.walthers.com/passing-contact-switch-black-440936


You can also use the PL-27 Switch Console instead of PL-50 if you are ready for some welding.
https://peco-uk.com/products/switch-console?_pos=3&_sid=11aad69ff&_ss=r

And on Pl-50 you can add more Pl-51 modules :
https://peco-uk.com/collections/electric/products/turnout-switch-module-addon

[jimdavis88]

Great information, THANKS.

As mentioned earlier, when I paralleled an Atlas 200 snap with with my Bachmann EZ Track HO turnout, it burned out the turnout motor and the controlling Bachmann switch, this happened three times. Then I came here for help.

So my question, can I connect two Bachmann turnouts to one Bachmann control switch, without damaging the turnout motor and/or the switch. Power is Bachmann 16v.

I do have a Capacitor Discharge on order as you gentlemen, opps, I mean Engineers, suggested.

[jimdavis88]

SUCCESS!!!

I tried the same procedure of connecting an Atlas 200 snap switch in parallel with my Bachmann turnout switch and this time it worked. First three burned out the motor and switch, but finally success. The difference, the first three times were with the taller Bachmann switches that came with the crossovers, the fourth time was with the regular smaller switch that comes with turnouts. It appears the bigger crossover motors are total junk.

THANKS for all your help.

[Syl]

Good news. Was the issue the motors on the crossover or the switch themselves ?

[jimdavis88]

From my experience the taller Bachmann switches, that come with the crossovers, caused the problem.