Repairing Ho Atlas code 83 switches

[crisco1]

Hi,

   The rails have broken away from the the ties on a Atlas Code 83 switch.  What is the best way to repair the switch?

                                                                                                   Thanks,

                                                                                                      Chris

 

 

 

                  

[doctorwayne]

Sounds as if you've had a prototypical derailment if it managed to rip-up the track.

Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to re-affix the rails by clamping them in position (spring-loaded clothes pegs work well), then applying a fairly liberal amount of solvent-type cement.  The Atlas ties are styrene, and will soften enough that the rails should sink slightly into them.  Let the cement cure (harden) fully before unclamping.

If the turnout is still in place on the layout, another option is to simply rebuild it there.  You could use the scale spikes used by those who handlay their track, but you'd need to pre-drill the ties to allow their insertion - you shouldn't need to spike at every tie, but maybe every fifth or sixth one, both sides of each rail.

You could do the same using contact cement - that's how I install rail on Central Valley tie strips.  Apply the cement to all ties on the portion where the rails will sit, and also to the bottom of the rail.  Allow the cement to dry as specified on the label - this is very important if you want a strong bond.  After the appropriate interval, carefully place the rail exactly where you want it - contact cement adheres on contact, oddly enough!
If you need a simple way to get the alignment of the rail right, once the cement has dried, lay a sheet of waxed paper over the ties.  The see-through nature of it will allow you to line up the rail properly, then you can slowly withdraw the waxed paper from beneath the rail, following along with your free hand to press the rail into contact with the ties.  Obviously, for this step, it's best to do one rail at a time.

Wayne

[UNCLEBUTCH]

I have a few peco turnouts that the rails broke loose from too many  moves. I used super glue, so far they are holding.

[richhotrain]

doctorwayne

Sounds as if you've had a prototypical derailment if it managed to rip-up the track.

Chris, are you suggesting that the turnout rails came loose while in place on the layout, as Wayne questions, or did the rails come loose while you were handling the turnout off the layout?

Rich

[riogrande5761]

I've had some rail get a bit loose on the ends of a couple of turnouts due to the ties getting broken off, probalby due to rough handling.  The ties are very find and it isn't difficult to break them loose.

In cases where too molded on ties were broken, I took some MicroEngineering spikes I have a supply of and spiked the rail down to hold it in place in gauge.  In my case most of my yard turnouts are mounted to Homasote so this is no problem - it holds the spikes well.

If you don't have one, get an NMRA Mark IV track/wheel gauge to make sure your track is correctly gauged too.