Marklin switch maintenance: oiled or dry?

On onr switch in particluar the arm moves as it should, but the track section doesn't, or it doesn't move enough. If I cycle it manually, it behaves subsequently when truggered electrically, but not always. I've taken the cover off and looked atthe mechanism, so I know how it is supposed to work. Do I want the compoents clean and dry? Or should I use a little labelle 108 (or some other).

Sometimes a switch buzzes and the rail snaps over nicely. Sometmes it just clicks and the rail moves a little then drifts slowly for the last bit of movement.

This is a desktop unit, so there is no undertable on which to install another system, yet. I would like to hear about them and be directed to where I can learn more.

Regards,

Scott

I'm no expert on turnouts of any kind but if you are interested in learning about under the table operation of them I know this www.zscale.org/articles/undertable.html is as good place to start as any.
While it doesn't cover what motors etc to use directly it does give a great step by step tuturial on how to prep the turnouts themselves.
At least you can get an idea of what is involved in a conversion of this kind.

regards,
Kurt

Scott,

I wouldn't use any liquid lubricant in the section of the switch under the cover. Make sure all of the mechanism and track are clear of any lint and/or debris. You can also look for flash on the arm that's connected to the part of the track that moves. I don't usually have any problems with my Marklin switches. If you still think it needs lubrication somewhere, I would suggest a little bit of graphite on the piece of plastic that moves the switch rails.

I hope this helps,
Thom

I agree with Thom. You dont want to oil the switch motors. It makes them stick even worse. This one of the sevices we old guys do for newbies. We make the mistakes for you already.

Scott,
Your comment:

seldredg wrote: Sometimes a switch buzzes and the rail snaps over nicely. Sometmes it just clicks and the rail moves a little then drifts slowly for the last bit of movement.

suggests to me that you may have a poor electrical connection leading to this turnout, or perhaps the contacts on the triggering switch are bad.

Hope this helps,
Mark

Thanks all. Cleaning is resolving most issues. Seems in z scale things that don't appear dirty work better when cleaned.