How would I go about this?

[JeremyB]

hey guys

I was looking at my trackwork today ( atlas HO code83 ) and got to thinking about what would I do if a turnout broke or got damaged, how would I get it out of the ballast to replace it?

any Ideas on what would be the easiest way to do this, just in case down the line this did happen?

Thanks
Jeremy[:)]

[pcarrell]

Cutoff disk in a dremel tool?

[ukguy]

Also, if you soak the ballast with warm water it will gradually soften and ultimately release the ballast/track from the glue enabling you to remove the turnout with minimal scenery destruction.

Stop thinking about bad things until they happen, [:)] theres always a solution.

Have fun & be safe,
Karl.

[JeremyB]

I wasnt thinking bad things, just curious[:)]

[siberianmo]

Interesting that this question should pop up just when that problem has surfaced on my pike ....... I have a #6 crossover that needs removal and there's no way on Earth that I'm aware of that will enable me to remove it without substantial damage to the surrounding area. Everything is well ballasted and landscaped. But, as in real life - it's gotta be done.

One thing positive, is that when it's all put back, I'll enjoy making it better than it was! [tup]

[Anonymous]

In about 2 years we will be selling our current home and moving to a new town (bigger train room? [:p] ) and I am also wondering what damage I will have trying to break the layout into sections as planned. I didn't place break away rail points when I laid the track, I was in a hurry to get to running trains (next time I will know better) so I can understand the wonder of what will happen...

[Anonymous]

can you tell me how to do break away rail points? thanks

[dragenrider]

Maybe this will help on the turnout replacement. I replaced a broken Shinohara turnout with a different brand which didn't measure the same size. To do this, I laid the new turnout on top of the old and marked the places to cut with a pen.



Then I took a pair of rail nippers and cut the old rails at the pen marks. I pried up the rail and the surrounding ballast. I used a small, sharp screwdriver to remove the stuck ballast. I trashed the old turnout. (it was broke anyway) The area was then cleaned with a vacuum and a stiff brush.



To place the new turnout, I slid rail joiners far back on the rails so the turnout would clear the rails. Once the turnout was in place, I slid the rail joiners in place. The section that wouldn't reach required a small section of rail to be placed. You could solder those if needed.



All that's left is to replace the ballast.

I hope these illustrations help you! [:P]