Walthers-Shinohara 83 DCC friendly turnouts

[Steve40]

Hi Folks,

Just started installing these on my new layout. A couple of observations:

1. Be sure to check the jumpers under the turnouts for good spot welds---one of mine was loose and not making contact, requiring me to rip up the turnout and repair.

2. I'm noticing a little bit of mottled brown discoloration of the track just a few days after cleaning. I don't recall seeing that on my older nickle-silver stuff. Normal?

 Thanks,

 Steve

[selector]

Thanks for the heads-up.  I am aware that virtually all such constructions, no matter who makes and sells the turnouts, have a few that turn up bad, often after installation.  I have several curved #8 Code 83 from Walthers/Shinohara that so far work very well.  Also, I weathered the rails, so I can't say I ever got to the point where I noticed discolouration.

Maybe if you just paint 'em up, it will soon be forgotten?

-Crandell

[Steve40]

Hi Crandell,

 Yep, I'll paint 'em up! But not the tops of the rails---that's my concern!

 Steve

[selector]

Steve, it would be well worth ordering No Ox and rubbing the tops of your turnouts to clear them up IF it is corrosion.  I think Walthers sells it, but so also might an LHS or another non-hobby supplier.

-Crandell

P.S. - I just shone a bright light on my curved #8's and noticed some variance in 'tone' of the metal, but nothing that would lead me to suspect a problem, say in metallurgy, or that there was some weird corrosion taking place.  More like shadows almost.

[THE.RR]

Steve40

2. I'm noticing a little bit of mottled brown discoloration of the track just a few days after cleaning. I don't recall seeing that on my older nickle-silver stuff. Normal?

 Thanks,

 Steve

Is this on the tops of the rail too, or just on the sides near the gurad rails and frog?   The tie plastic likes to ooze out during the molding process where it fills inbetween the rails.  I use a pointed file and small eXacto to clear out the rail webs, and make sure nothing is blocking the flange ways.

I totally agree on the rail bonds.  I've laid over a dozen so far, with 2 needing re work.

Phil