EZ Track Controllers or cross over track failing

[Johnmallon62]

Hello,
We have a large layout and using 10 cross over track with double switches.  We are finding that over time (months) we are getting failures in the switch remote controller or the track itself.  They end up such that we can't move the switches at all.

Regarding the switch controllers, my father in law is handicapped and pushes very hard on the switches when moving them.  Do they physically degrade from this?

Are the switches and tracks susceptible to dust in the room getting inside the mechanism?

Any other ideas please advise. It's getting really expensive to replace them at $100 per track piece.

Personally, I would pay for a more expensive heavy duty version of either of these if they would not degrade over time.

Thanks,John

[jward]

DID you say you cannot physically move the switchpoints? If so, you've probably burnt out the motors in them. They are designed for a momentary burst of power from pushing the button on the controller. Like all twin coil motors, if you leave the button pushed for too long you will burn them out. Unfortunately Bachmann does not appear to sell the replacement switch motors that would make these repairable. Why not? Everybody else who makes them does.

There is something you can do to help prevent this burnout however. You can add a capacitor discharge circuit between the power supply and the controllers.This circuit will store a charge until the controller button is pushed. Once it is activated, it dumps the entire charge through the switch motor instantaneously, then effectively cuts power to the controllers until it is recharged.

Here is a link to one such supply. It would be a prudent investment for you to prevent future problems.     https://www.hobbylinc.com/miniatronics-capacitive-discharge-unit-handles-up-to-10-switch-machines-model-railroad-electrical-pdc1