Menards 072 switch issues……

[@rodrossi9749]

Interesting, Eric Siegel's worked just fine. I guess that's why they are looking for customer feedback.

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

I have the same stitches and I guess I got lucky I h ad no problems with my switches

[@3-Rail-Tales-Dad]

Excellent series of reviews. Thanks for doing these.
Also, good job flipping the switch without instructions. As far as the direction, however, it makes sense that it would be backwards when you flip the mechanism. It pushes and pulls according to the push button or anti-derail function. Pushing from the inside would make the switch flip to the diverging position. However, pushing from the outside would push the switch to the straight direction. To flip these, I think you would have to flip some wires so that the push/pull was in reverse.

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

You will encounter problems with any new products from any manufacturers even lionel mth Bachmann and atlas has problems with any new products they have produced in recent years

[@jodysmith8048]

We all know Menards want feedback. So they can make the final product as good as it can be. I just hope by the time they get to the final product that the price doesn't increase.Like it did with there F7 locomotives by the time Menards had gotten to the final product.

[@TrainBandit]

Ya same here, especially since this isn't the highest quality switch. A lot like the locomotive, but you get what you pay for and when it's up in that price range it's just not worth it

[@jamesmorgangunsandtrains7132]

To me though wiring it wrong is just silly….and zero instructions for swapping sides with the switch machine, oversight I guess…..

[@rogerglasgo4902]

I was hoping menards had made some ok switches for the price. looks like they have a lot to work on.
thanks for the indept review on these yours is the best yet.
looks like if you are doing tubular then rossplate switches are the way to go. they are the best quality and currently being made right now. thanks again james.😊

[@rodrossi9749]

A 20 dollar jump really isn't that big of a increase concidering the improvements they made.

[@markcopeland4344]

Reverse the 2 wires at the end of the frog.

[@sparkystrains5045]

Look inside your switch controllers to see the hidden LEDs for the controllers marker lights.

[@jamesmorgangunsandtrains7132]

@@sparkystrains5045 are you saying they are loosely packed in the housing ? I had it apart and did not see any extras of anything on there. There are 2 LEDS under the lantern on the switch machine that are always burning …..

[@genemanno1533]

Pilot Ren just did a video on these same switches. What a box of junk. All messed up bent, and required fixing to use. His video shows the train going over switch like a bunch of rocks. Yours rolls crappy too. You don’t seem to have any acceptable operation neither. Typical china junk at a high price. Sixty year old Lionel works fine so no excuse for Menards. At $120 for pair of switches these are pure trash. Yes return for refund. Thank you both for honest reviews😊

[@raylrodr]

Head rod.

[@jamesmorgangunsandtrains7132]

@@raylrodr head rod?

[@raylrodr]

That is the term for the rod or bar that connects the points together keeping them in gauge. The actuating rod connects the head rod to the switch motor or switch stand.