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Point Rails Not Fitting With Stock Rails
Ewan has a problem he is hoping others can help him with:
“I have had some Atlas Code 83 turnouts sitting under my workbench for ages waiting to be installed – you know, it’s one of those things I’ll get around to doing when I have time. Well, now like it seems millions of others around the world with this dreadful virus thing, I have the time to put these Code 83 to good use. Problem is; after a closer look I’m not sure if they are any good.
My concern is with how well the point rails will fit properly into the stock rails. The end tips of the point rails are sticking out of the stock rails by quite a bit. I am wondering if I should file the tip of the point rail to keep it flush with the stock rail. I can probably do this on one side on one turnout, but I am not sure I can do this on the other side because the other point rail is sticking out by quite a lot and I don’t think filing the tip will be enough. In fact there were two problems. The point rail is not fitting into the gap in the stock rail, and the tip of the point rail looks a bit twisted. Does that make sense?
I am worried if I try to straighten it then it might snap off completely. The joint where the actual tab joins the throw bar is really thin. I know if it breaks I could possibly solder the tab back onto the point rail but that is only a maybe. Am I encountering a unique problem or is this more of a wider design fault in the type of turnout?
I would like to hear from anyone else who might have had similar experiences with Atlas Code 83 turnouts, or even with other brands. I am trying to stay positive and keep busy in these troubled times, so don’t want to get all negative and just slang off at Atlas. Having this problem is not good, but at least it is keeping my mind busy right now rather than worrying about bigger problems around the country and world.
Positive thoughts and solutions from others would be very much appreciated right now, and thank you in advance Robert for allowing me to ask this question on your blog. Stay safe to you, your family and friends – and the same goes to everyone else in the model RR community around the world. We need to support each other right now.”
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7 Responses to Point Rails Not Fitting With Stock Rails
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Can you post a couple of photos to show your problem. “A picture is worth a 1000 words.”
Robert
if these are the older Atlas with stamped points file the points and inside of the rails. the points will need a bit of wok
If the points look troublesome and you feel they need work, you have nothing to lose. To selling them one is just dodging an opportunity to widen your skills. As you said, we have a lot of time up our collective sleeves at the moment. Take your time and enjoy the challenge.
David has a good point for both railroaders and people in general.
Except the challenge and good luck.
Yes you can file them.and bend them take you time us a gauge tool slide it down the track switch after you bend it some it takes time . You can do it
Ewan: Dave has hit the nail on the head here. My suggestion is more of the same, What have you got to loose here. Sit back with switch in hand and study it for a while then go for it The worst that can happen is a trip to commercial land and get a new one (or used one) but you could fix the old one and that would be good. Hope all is good with you and your family. Bruce, Utah USA
I suggest you don’t hack around with the points. Measure the rail profile with calipers, and then ask around the sellers of second hand railroads/railways if they have any used Atlas set track of that profile. You can cut short lengths (say 2″-3″ long) of the set track and file the ends to blend with your main track.If you are wanting to make up a yard, see if you can get enough set track of that profile to do that with. Unless you are a skilled fitter, by trying to file the points to suit, you may either make them electrically unreliable or cause derailments.