On my test track (which is not ballasted), I have 7 #10 and 3 #6 Walthers Code 83 switches. The points have a wire soldered to them that goes "below" and is connected to track power. Thus there is no need for mechanical electrical contact for the points. Gleamed or otherwise.
I expect to try this points feed method on ballasted track in the future. I can see that there MIGHT be a problem. We'll see.
Ed
I have twenty some code 83 Walthers Shinhara turnouts that are (already!) now 5 years old and am not having problems with them.
Each turnout has power supply either by (rarely) soldered rail joiners or (typically) by feeders. The under the ties jumpers provide power directly to the various rail segments except the frogs (powered via Tortoise contacts) and the moveable part of the point rails. The point rails can get power via the hinge at the powered closure rail but that is not considered a reliable power connection. Thus, the point of your inquiry, the point rails rely on the contact with the stock rails.
In my case, I pay attention to getting the Tortoise wire arranged so that it provides equal tension in each direction and is not biased strong one way and weaker the other. In some iffy cases, I substituted beefier throwbar wires. So part of the issue is a sufficiently strong physical force, which may vary with turnout type.
I did gleam my track, but for the points contact spot I recall gently Dremel wire brushing the sides of the points and the stock rail at that place. I have not had to repeat that, but suggest that as a good step after ensuring enough contact force. I did spray paint my track and was careful to mask the point area well. One error I made was too liberally spray painting the other ties that the point rails move across. This resulted in some sticking that could have been avoided and had to be corrected by hand exercising the points and/or in a few cases adding a stronger wire for the Tortoise.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Never found it necessary. On Atls (and other non-power routing, insualted frog turnouts) I just put feeders on all 3 legs. That gives 3 possible paths for power to each rail, and the likelihood of all of them failing is pretty slim. If concerned about the pivot point for the points, a flexible jumper on each one will guarantee power independent of physical contact with the stock rail.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
How would it even be possible to gleam the sides of the points without damaging them, unless you were building your own turnouts?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Anybody try gleaming the sides of the rails and points for better contact? What about results if tried? Thanks