O22 REMOTE CONTROL SWITCHES, PAIR (O), 45-69

Remote Controlled O Gauge Switch No. 022 was produced from 1945 until 1966 during the Post War Period. This switch was also produced during the Pre-War Period from 1938 until 1942. There were changes in the control, and the long curved and straight rails among other alterations that occurred that distinguished the Post War version.

The easiest way to tell them apart is by the inscription on the bottom plate. The version that was issued during the Pre-war is inscribed "AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLED / 1-1/4" GAUGE SWITCH", while those issued during the Post War Era read "LIONEL / REMOTE CONTROL / NO. O22 / O GAUGE SWITCH". For many years Lionel would issue the No. O22C controllers for these switches in a separate classic box numbered O22 that was packaged inside the switch set box. This box also contained two switch lanterns and two fixed voltage plugs.

The controllers have a BLACK flat three wire cable that attaches to the three connections on the switch control. The center wire is the ground and the outside wires control the aspect of the switch - either straight, or curve.

The switch control section, shown above, of the switch connects to the bottom at two screw points that allow it to be reversed due to layout constraints. These control sections of this switch are a marvel of engineering that permitted the adaption of signals, usually No. 153, No. 148, or No. 450, to be wired in to show the direction of the switch. The constant voltage plug fits in the side of the housing and would allow these switches to powered by an accessory circuit on the transformer that has a constant voltage output.

These switches all offer a non-derailment feature that involves insulated rails. Track electrical current travels through an approaching train’s wheel axles to trigger these switches by these insulated rails. The end section of the long curved rail turnout and the short section of the straight turnout are insulated from the track voltage until they come in contact with an approaching train’s wheels which causes the points of the switch to move to accommodate the train’s direction of approach. This was a much needed feature that was for years not available during the Pre-War Period.

If these switches are installed on a permanent layout it is wise to remove the two screws that hold the control cover to the switch so that, maintenance can be performed should this become necessary.

These switches were also sold individually from 1950 until 1961 under the numbers 022LH Left Hand Switch and 022RH Right Hand Switch. Pictured below is the box end for the individually sold right hand switch.

Remote Controlled O Gauge Switch No. 022A

Lionel issued this version of switch only in 1947. It was a time of metal shortages shortly after World War II and these shortages caused this switch to differ from those that were issued both before and after the war.

These parts were eliminated:  No. 711-37 Contact Plate  No. 711-129 Terminal Plate  No. 711-217 Fixed Voltage Plug Also missing was the large sheet metal bottom plate No. 022-111 RH and No. 022-112 LH as is shown in the picture to the far right.

The identifying plate No. 022-34 was changed to reflect the number "022A" as is shown above.

These switches still retained their non-derailment feature, but Lionel didn't have the 022C Controllers available so the dual controls, No. 1121C-60, from the No. 1121 O27 Gauge Switches were substituted.

The box ends were marked with the notation "No. 022A / SUPERSEDES NO. 022 / NON-DERAILING REMOTE CONTROL / O GAUGE SWITCHES."

These switches are difficult to find today with the original box. Like New Condition requires, in addition to the switches, the controller and the box.

O Gauge Adapter Set No. 022-500

Issued from 1957 until 1961 this set of track connectors was designed to adapt the 022 Switch for use with Super-O track. This set consisted of three No. 32-31 Power Pins, four No. 32-30 Ground Pins, and two No. 32-32 Insulating Pins. In 1962, Lionel changed the numbering of this set to No. T022-500. This number would be used until the end of production in 1966.

Excellent or Like New Condition requires the original No. 022-501 envelope. Pictured to the right is the earlier issued No. 022-500 Adapter Set Envelope.