Comments on: Fixing Problem Crossovers and Switches

By: rich

rich — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 15:32:36 +0000

In reply to Ed. i have the same problem try checking your coupelers if they are kaydees that is your problem

By: joe h

joe h — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 06:00:24 +0000

I was wondering if the wheels on the following trucks are in gauge(the correct width). Get a NMRA Standard Gauge for the scale of railroad you are running,for example; N scale or HO scale. With the gauge check the clearance between the wheel flanges to make sure each set of wheels are not too narrow or wide and make any adgustments as needed. I would check this out first before trying to modify the switches or replace.
Hope this helps out.

By: Sheldon Clark

Sheldon Clark — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 22:23:54 +0000

In reply to Frank B.

I’d be very careful with this suggestion. I’m not familiar with the switches in question, but I’ve found that with Peco N Gauge switches it’s impossible to re-install the spring once it has come out. I have a problem with these switches where I am using “wire-in-tube” to operate them, because the wire is piano wire supplied in coils and even in PTFE tubes, the friction doesn’t allow the spring to exert enough pressure to maintain electrical contact when the operating wire is longer than about 6″. One of my solutions has been to “tweak” the ends of the switch rails VERY gently & carefully. I’m puzzled about your crossing problem – are the trucks diverging from the intended route there too? If so, you may have a problem with your wheelsets – tread width, flange depth & thickness or back-to-back measurements may not be compatible with the crossing. If the trackwork and wheelsets are to compatible standards (NMRA, in USA), I cannot imagine what the cause or solution may be.

By: Vic

Vic — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 16:12:49 +0000

Are you running a Bachmann engine? I have found that some of my older Bachmann engines going over turnouts is due to the distance between the plastic gear cover between the wheels. I used my dremal

By: Phillip Collins

Phillip Collins — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 06:46:20 +0000

I had a similar problem with older Atlas points. My solution was to replace with Peco which has a decent over-centre spring. Unfortunately Peco was more expensive. I think the blades were moving because of play in the rivet.

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 03:20:54 +0000

It could be the point rail is not high enough. I use a dpdt switch to throw the turnout and to change the polarity of the frog. It also holds it tight!

By: donj1044

donj1044 — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 01:17:15 +0000

You can try gouging a little under the throw bar to make room as it moves sideways!. It sounds like you have a bulge under the switch. See if the switch rails are in gauge? for both positions. That is all that comes to mind about your problem. Good luck Don J

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:41:19 +0000

Try this article, it has a couple of solutions.
newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/track%20layout.htm

By: Frank B

Frank B — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:25:30 +0000

I don’t know this type of switch, but on typical switches the moving part is held to its position (on each side) by a small “over-centre” spring (like an electrical toggle switch).

Your description suggests that this spring is not firmly holding the rail all the way out to each side.

So it may be worth taking the spring out, and trying to stretch it a small amount to increase the force holding the rails in place.

(If this works please let us know.)

By: Ed

Ed — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:22:50 +0000

I”ve had the same problem and my engine run fine over the rails on the turnouts, but some of my cars would derail just at the turnout rail. Sometimes this is cuz by the rail vibrates a little from the train running and one guy told me to install a slow motion motor to the turnout This did help cuz the motor holds the inter rail to the outer rail and so far, I haven’t any problems.

By: David Stokes

David Stokes — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 23:21:52 +0000

I’d be careful with the running rails and the Dremel. I’d be more inclined to sharpen the closure point rail with a small file, but more importantly stop the point rail from moving once set. Not being familiar with the Bachmann point I am unsure how one would do that. Sounds like a design fault to me. Good luck, but truly, I’d be ditching them for Peco or Atlas, or one of the more upmarket point systems.

By: The Track Rat

The Track Rat — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 23:16:37 +0000

Sorry you are having so much trouble. Honestly, I would junk them. If you want track work that will function flawlessly and look like the prototype build it your self. Let me kmow if you have any other questions.
,The Track Rat