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To nfmisso: You received some very good advice from wp8thsub. I would also like to add my two cents worth that has really helped smooth-out my code 83, Atlas switches. After filing and sanding (600 sandpaper) the surface of the frog, my locos and cars still bumped, somewhat, on some switches. One day last month, I took the bull by the horns and disconnected the "straight" point-rail, and very gently lifted it a bit further than it wanted to go. This raised the entire point rail for the straight route. Then, I did the same to the other point rail, the "curved route." Now, they don't "bump" anymore. It solved my problem. Nickel-silver is NOT a hard metal. In fact, it's very maleable and the tensile strength is less than brass. Consequently, these very thin "point rails," that move the locos to a different track, become "slumped", so to speak, or curved downwards. This is to a very slight extent, but over time and use it can cause derailments. I think it's a shame that Atlas doesn't make a copper-zinc alloy (brass) turnout with some silver in it to help prevent corrosion. But then, we'd be paying $35.00 for a turnout instead of $11.95. Sometimes, I think it would be worth it.
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