Has anyone encountered a problem with the threaded hole (in the track web, the vertical piece of the rail) for the screw (which goes through the oval hole in a rail joiner) being drilled off-center in the track web (i.e., 1/16 to 1/8" higher than usual). I am particularly interested in experience with USAT 2 foot track sections sold at the end of 2012 through the beginning of 2013. I've heard some discussion that the threaded hole in the right end of the rails in a batch of this track (which goes under the oval hole at the left of a track joiner, the right hole in a joiner being round) are drilled so high that the screw inserted in the oval hole hits solid metal and not the hole. I'd apprecite hearing from users that their track, purchased in that time frame, does or doesn't have that problem.d
I noticed the issue. I simply inserted a flat screw driver and opened up the slot on the clip. Just enough to reach the threads and they all seemed to be fine with the head of the screw holding tight. Most of my joints were soldered so strength was not a concern. I also noticed this with some aristo sections I had. At the switch's I used rail clamps for removal and maintenance . The #6 switch's seemed to more likely(from the old run) he just restocked and I have yet to install those. Kenny
I think the USA Trains and Aristo track in question were made on the same production line (separate runs) and thus some Aristo (made after USAT, and perhaps catching the problem) may would have that common issue. What is infuriating is USAT's (Charles Ro) denial that there is any problem in this regard (like no misdrilled holes).
One could also use a burr to carve "bump holes" out of the slots to line up with the misdrilled track holes.
But this is all unnecessary. USAT should have remedied the problem by shipping free clamps for the affected track.
I never saw this problem with Aristo or Bachmann track.
Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month