To be absolutely correct, I should have said "Shinohara" and "Walthers /Shinohara" and not the other way around.
Also, I do know that some modelers wire around the joiner to assure electrical connectivity. I have not needed to do so.
John Timm
I have had more trouble with rails breaking off the "old" solid pivot bar type than the new rail joiner type. Also better for DCC for those that use it.
At last count I have a couple dozen Walthers and Walthers / Shinohara turnouts and have never had any problems with them. The railjoiner arrangement looks "sloppy" as you point out, but has never caused any issues for me, be they mechanical, electrical or otherwise.
Has anyone had any issues with the Walthers Code 83 turnouts. specifically the way the point and closure rails are joined with a railjoiner? Seems real sloppy and I can't imagine that it wont fail sooner than later.