I am having derailment issues with my HO Kato Unitrack, I think that my rolling stock are "picking the points". I checked every piece of rolling stock that has derailed and all are perfectly in gauge. I have heard that you may have to file the ends of the points, but I could not come up with anything searching the forum here. Anyone have any tips on how to do this effectively and/or improving these turnouts in general? Thanks!
I file the back of the closure rails, so they fit perfectly tight against the stock rails, and I also file the top point, just a little, to round it off slightly so the wheels don't catch it. You want to run your finger across the points and make sure there is no lip or catching point.
I have Atlas HO, and they have a very slight notch in the stock rail where the closure rail fits into. In my experience,they still need a little tweaking, right out of package.
Also make sure that the wheel flange doesn't slightly raise the trucks as it goes over the frog.
There's plenty of heavy hitters in here that will help you fine tune your switches. I Have used Bachmann's unitrack/easy track on my temporary Christmas layout, and I had to tweak them a little bit, too.
Mike.
My You Tube
Which turnouts are you using? I've never had trouble with the No.6 turnouts, but I recently installed a No.4 (21-5/8" radius) turnout on my new logging line, and was surprised that my normally sure-footed AS-616 picked the point on it.
I have both No. 4 and No.6 turnouts on my layout and in 10 years I haven't had a problem.
Is the turnout a No.4 and if so is it the electric or manual version as they are different.
I would check that your trucks are turning freely as that could cause a problem too.
CN Charlie
wjstix Which turnouts are you using? I've never had trouble with the No.6 turnouts, but I recently installed a No.4 (21-5/8" radius) turnout on my new logging line, and was surprised that my normally sure-footed AS-616 picked the point on it.
Actually I have both #4 and #6 and unfortunately they are both having the issue. It does appear that, although the point rail is seated against the stock rail in diverging setting, the end of the point does almost seem kind of square-ish, so maybe filing it down to more of a point would help. I would use maybe a jeweler's file? That might be kind of difficult.
CNCharlie I have both No. 4 and No.6 turnouts on my layout and in 10 years I haven't had a problem. Is the turnout a No.4 and if so is it the electric or manual version as they are different. I would check that your trucks are turning freely as that could cause a problem too. CN Charlie
Both my #4s and #6s are electric.
Something I should have included in my first post, make sure the switch points stay in place, and don't vibrate and move. I know nothing about Kato track, maybe they have this "hold in place" feature. I hold mine with Caboose Industries ground throws.
http://www.cabooseind.com/
I use Kato #6's on my "floor layout" that I set up from time to time.
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I had this problem with a couple of switches. All I did was work them back and forth, over and over, and they stopped having problems.
Maybe this could wok for you too.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Go to the Virginian video series part 8 on this site, David Popp shows how to file a balky turnout
Joe Staten Island West