How do I improve the points on a Atlas #6 turnout

[ICG/SOU]

I've got a lot of turnouts on my layout (Code 100) that are #6, Mark IV. Of the lot of them, two give two locomotives of mine trouble.

One loco is a Kato F40PH, the other is an Atlas B23-7.

The issue I'm having, is that the B23-7 has an issue on the left hand turnout when the points are in the diverging position. The height of the right point (that creates the diverging route) is lower slightly than the rail, and when the front truck starts to make the turn, the right wheel falls off the track and the point, derailing.

The other issue I'm having is the F40PH is going through a right hand turnout when the points are in a straight position, and the right hand point is lower than the rail, so the right wheel rolls off the rail and misses the point (meaning it rolls over the point like the flange wasn't there), and derails.

These two locos are the only ones that have this problem. It doesn't matter if anything is being pulled or the loco is by itself. It doesn't matter how fast or slow the locos are going.

Is there a way to raise the points with a shim or something? The B23-7 doesn't need to go through the turnout it has problems with (runaround track at the grain elevator siding), but the Kato has problems with the main line turnout that diverges to the passing siding, therefore is more important. I checked the gauge of the wheels, and both are fine. Otherwise, I don't know what to do.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Selector]

If you are willing to do this, you can try two things.

First, without removing the turnout, shim under the one end of the throwbar to see if that will help bolster the sagging point rail. I doubt it will work, but I have managed to save a Peco that sagged a bit on one point rail.

Or, remove the turnout, invert it, and perform some surgery so that the throwbar will rise against the webbing and rail foot above it (below it as you look at it inverted.) You may need to cut and file a bit with a needle file, but all you want is another 0.5-0.75 mm in height on that point....correct?

Then, when you invert it once more and replace it, shim that end of the throwbar and see if the flanges don't get nudged now.

A finnickier solution is to lift the point off the throwbar and glue a thin shim there, and then glue the throwbar to the shim. The trick is to size and place the shim so that it doesn't abut the stock rail and leave your point stuck about a flange's width away from its normal nesting position.

Replacing a turnout with a new one begins to sound mighty attractive just about now, hey?

-Crandell

 

[thaddeusthudpucker]

1. Check clearances with an NMRA gauge
2. Check that the wheels on the locomotives are in gauge. Maybe even try making them a little bit over-gauge, and test run after every adjustment through the trouble spots.

 

[Lester Perry]

I would suggest replacing it with a Peco. I have had enough trouble with Atlas that I will not purchase any more of them.
Les

 

[lmackattack]

lesters suggestion is the best LOL

does your manual throw or electric throw push/pull the throw bar tightly on the point rails to each side? this makes a big diffrence. if that does not work look at the point rails to see if they "Lean". if they do bend to make them upright. If they sag add shims under the throw bar as already mentioned. it this still does nor help get out a dremel or file and file down the rail pocket and points. you want the rails to transition as smooth as possible and sometimes putting a deeper ocket" for the point rails to sit in will help wheels slide through.

if all fails....... peco

 

[ICG/SOU]

I've been trying to work on another section (6 axles derail intermittently), but did get to use the gauge on the mainline turnout, and can't seem to find an out of gauge problem, either with the Kato loco or the turnout. I'll keep fiddling.

 

[ICG/SOU]

I couldn't find anything wrong with the mainline turnout, so I took the Kato locomotive to the hobby shop, and my friend there told me that sometimes Kato locos have a lack of movement in the trucks, and his solution was to add a red Kadee washer to the truck where it meets the frame, and that solution has worked.

I'll have to figure out the other turnout and problem with the Atlas loco.