Williams locos and Atlas switches?

[02camaro]

Has anyone had any problems running Williams engines through Atlas switches? I have a Williams Golden Memories F3 and a Turbine that both "clunk" when going through Atlas O54 switches. My Lionel engines run through the switches without any problems. I think it's something to do with the pickup rollers, but I haven't been able to figure out just what is going on. Help!

[jefelectric]

I have a set of Williams FAs and they run through Atlas #5s and 054s with no problem, never noticed a clunk.

[phillyreading]

Have you looked at the rail heigth? Any little differance could cause this problem, the rails MUST match 100 percent on most types of track. I have a problem at times with post-war Lionel steam locomotives and GarGraves switches & Lionel track but have found it to be a problem with how high the track is, the track needs a gradual lowerring or problems will result.
LOOK AT ALL THREE RAILS!! Any variation of track height will be a problem.
Lee F.

[Anonymous]

Does the engine clunk in both directions or one direction only? Also, does it clunk for both routes or just one?

DId you install the plastic insert that goes between the split in the center rail?

Another possibility is that the pickup roller is catching in the gap between the closure rail and the continuation of the center rail beyond the closure rail. (The closure rail is the fixed rail between the moving points and the frog). If this is the case, you could fill the gap by gluing in a shim of styrene.

Daniel Lang

[Anonymous]

I had Atlas, 054 switches on my first layout. My first loco's were also Williams. I noticed that the rail joiner closest to the frog on the end of the switch going AGAINST the switch would widen at the top causing the wheels to bang against it when going that direction. This would be the rail on the left as you travel aginst the switch, if that helps.

Tom