Problems with Atlas #8 Turnouts

[robbykuczynski]

I'm still having problems with my Atlas #8 Turnouts. They do not care for my 6-axle locomotives. I've checked the locomotives and turnouts with an NMRA standards gauge and all appear to be fine. My locomotives hesitate and then lift off the track as they leave the turnout near the throw bar. Anybody with similar experiences?

[cwclark]

take a small jeweler's file and file down the ends of the frogs...if you look real close you'll see a very small hump at each end of the frog where it meets the rails and that's a big problem with derailments...another thing i've found with Atlas turnouts (especially the #4's) is that the track on the diverging route needs to be as straight as possible for at least 3 inches before the track starts to curve..it's a real problem at a crossover and I try to make the crossover as straight as possible for at least the length of my longest piece of rolling stock between the one turnout and the next...oh yeah..one more problem at the point end...be sure you file down the very end of the point rails with a small file at a 45 degree angle...atlas turnouts are bad about rolling stock and locomotives picking the rail at this location...chuck

[robbykuczynski]

Have you experienced problems in the area around the throwbar?

[selector]

I seem to have point heels that rock on my EZ-Track turnouts. I thought this would be a problem with flanges running into the heel end, or into the butt of the closure rail, but it doesn't happen.

What I have done, though, when the trucks climb out of turnouts, is to file the points to needle sharpness, make sure the point rails are generously curved, and that the points are lying perfectly flat and tight against the stock rails. Also, the lands in the flangeways of your frogs may be high. Finally, one of your wheels may be binding on one of the guard rails.

[cwclark]

QUOTE: Originally posted by robbykuczynski

Have you experienced problems in the area around the throwbar?

this (the throwbar) is the area very close to the points...your engine is probably picking the rail...file down the tips of the point rails at a 45 degree angle..it ought to solve the problem..if it doesn't then gauge them with your NMRA track gauge again and very carefully bend then back into specs....chuck

[Anonymous]

I have never used an Atlas #8, but wheels picking the points is a common problem on their #6 turnouts. I think cwclark has given you some solid advice.

Good Luck

[robbykuczynski]

Thank you all for your suggestions and comments. It took me awhile, but I was able to clean up the points and throwbar areas with a file. My tunnel motors are now able to negotiate the turnouts without any problems. Now onto DCC!

[Anonymous]

I have some Atlas #8's and the only problem I have had with 6 axel power was caused by a vertical curve in the area of the switch.