I have an accucraft turnout that looks like it's working properly, but sometimes part of a train will go one way and part will go the other. Is there a way to check gauge on turnout points? Or can anyone think of other potential problems?
Thanks,
-Jeff
jeffcon1 I have an accucraft turnout that looks like it's working properly, but sometimes part of a train will go one way and part will go the other. Is there a way to check gauge on turnout points? Or can anyone think of other potential problems? Thanks, -Jeff
If you don't have one, get an NMRA gauge. There was a video, from not too long ago by Jim Hediger, showing how to use one. Check your cars to make sure all of the wheels are in gauge. Also, make sure that the wheels are aligned in the truck. If the wheels on one axle are shifted to one side or the other, it will cause the truck to "dogtrack", pushing the other axle to the side. Are your wheels consistent with RP-25 recommendations? Some of the cheaper rolling stock had sharp edges on the flanges, causing them to pick the turnouts.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Accucraft, looks like a lot of larger scale equipment. What scale is yours?
You might have to get a gauge that fits your scale.
Another thing to check, is something on one of the couplers "drooping", and catching on the points, or the frog to cause the split in the train?
Mike.
My You Tube
If it helps, sometimes my cars do that on Atlas turnouts. I found that a long, thin pushpin through the hole in the switch prevents the track from switching. That temporary solution works until getting a switch machine. Would that apply to your turnouts?
If the turnout does not have a ground throw or a switch motor to align the turnout then the turnout is free to dance around when a train crosses over it. That is the usual cause of the problem you are having if you are not using one of those devices. A solution is to place a small shim made of plastic or wood under the connecting rod so that friction caused by pressure will hold the turnout in place.
I have one Atlas #8 switch where that will happen on occaision. I dont't have a ground throw or switch machine installed, I have placed a nail in the hole at the switch points, but I notice that even pressing the point against the rail there is till a minute gap and I suspect that is where some of the longer passenger cars trucks grab right in that very small gap and cause the wheel to ride up on the track and derail. I have noticed that when I schim the rail where it appears to be slightly lower than the rest of the switch this will sometimes correct the problem but not all of the time.
Eventhough I like the look of the #8's I don't seem to have the problem with the #6's so I may just have to resign myself and replace the 8 with a 6 if need be. It is frustrating when almost the entire train passes through the turnout fine then one car doesn't cooperate and the whole train rolls over right at the train depot. I will remove the car check wheels with the NMRA guage, seems o.k but I will then run the train and it works fine without that one coach.
Freight, no problems they run through the turn out fine.
Robert Sylvester
Newberry-Columbia, SC
Perhaps getting a long push pin (the kind on maps) keeps the ground throw from moving. Thanks for the inforamtion about the #8 turnout. Mine are Atlas and I see that happening sometimes. That seems a great option before installing grown throws. I want to get them installed but not going to drop the money at once.
Talk about frustrating seeing a freight car split the layout.
Well, until the OP responds, we can only guess.
https://www.accucraftestore.com/
Accucraft appears to be large scale, 1/30, 1/32, and even ride on equipment. I understand a problem with a turnout can be the same for all scales, but it would be interesting to see what the OP is talking about.
And, yes, using ground throws keeps things in place. I use Caboose Industries, and they aren't that expesive.