I'm glad you got it worked out. I have never seen one of the Bachmann turnouts so I'm a bit in the dark on them. I doubt you'll have and electrical conductivity problems but if you do a dab on LGB conductive paste will fix them up -
http://store.wattstrainshop.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=1&products_id=545&osCsid=0b07c89c5d9c8e5aa5586952a91992e6
-Brian
Thanks for the speedy reply, Brian.
After I made my post, I examined the track pieces more closely. The rails on the turnout are actually cast pieces! There is a pocket cast in the end of the rail to accept the pin from the next piece of track. The pocket isn't deep enough to receive the entire length of pin, so the pin will have to be cut shorter. (I may have to thin the pin a little, too, because it seems to be a hair thicker than the pocket.)
I was able to remove the rail joiner by prying up the tabs that clamp to the tie strip behind the first tie. I couldn't see any way to re-install the joiner with those tabs, so I cut them off. The modified joiner slips right onto the track, although I may have to carefully squeeze the joiner together a little to tighten it.
I'd like to think that I'm smart enough to figure out how to get the track pieces to join together. What I'm really confused about is WHY Bachmann would make their track pieces INCOMPATIBLE???? By the way, all the track is from Bachmann's Big Hauler series, which makes it even more incomprehensible that the tracks would be incompatible!!!
Brian, I saw some of the New Bright stuff and determined right away that it was "toy" stuff (read: 'junk'). I figured Bachmann would be a good compromise between cost and quality. I didn't want to spend a small fortune on this project. I've already invested enough in my N scale to make a serious dent in my retirement funding!! LOL
At least I can continue with my project. I'm worried about having electrical conductivity problems with these modified joiners. It doesn't look like they could be soldered. I'll just take my time and work out the problems as they crop up. Gee, that sound just like N scale! LOL
Thanks again, Brian. Anyone else have any suggestions, I'm open for them!
Darrell, less confused but still quiet...for now
I don't think you'll find anyone saying Bachmann makes junk (New Bright on the other hand ). I use the track for indoor use around the Christmas tree. You can remove and switch the pins around. I remember using a little less than gentle persuasion with some needle nose pliers to do it but don't remember the particulars.
I have modeled in N scale for over 40 years. Recently, I purchased some Bachmann G scale equipment with the intention of running a track on a shelf around my trainroom. The shelf would be mounted high on the wall.
When I got a good deal on a pair of Bachmann turnouts, I decided to add a siding along one wall of the shelf. When I started to lay out the track, I noticed that the rail joint connections on the turnouts are reversed in regards to the regular Bachmann curved and straight sections. What gives with that??? All the track is Bachmann, so why would there be an incompatibility issue? More importantly, how do I resolve the issue?
My first thought was to exchange the joiners on the turnout. No go! You can't switch the joiners from one rail to the other. I looked at the regular track sections and, while it appears the joiners and pins can be removed, I'm not sure if that can be done successfully without destroying the track section.
Can someone explain to me what is going on? Remember, although I have extensive experience in model railroading in general, in G scale I am a complete novice! I've never seen such complete incompatibility from the same manufacturer! Please don't say "you shouldn't have bought Bachmann - they're junk!" I'm not going into G scale big-time, just something to play with and Bachmann seemed to be an inexpensive way to begin.
So, is there a simple solution to this problem, or am I going to have to hack up some track and scratchbuild/solder rail joiners?
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!
Darrell, confused and quiet...for now
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