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 Posted - January 04 2017 : 8:36:21 PM
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Has anybody had trouble with derailments using Atlas snap track turnouts with switches mounted under the layout? Sometimes it seems the contact points just flop to wherever they want.
Modeling a modified version of the Atlas Central Midland layout.
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Posted - January 04 2017 : 9:39:58 PM
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Not in particular, but if your points are floating...
The one's I've had trouble with were the Bachmann
Tru track ones. Big, fat, expensive headaches.
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Posted - January 04 2017 : 11:20:37 PM
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Atlas turnouts do take a bit of tuning and maintenance. If you mount them in some sort of under-the-layout staging or something, it's helpful to be able to reach them.
Operating properly, the points should hold somewhat firmly against the running rail. The switch motor throws just a little farther than the points and the rod from it to the switch rod is springy. It could be the solenoid is not going all the way into the locked position or the springy rod is a little bent.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - January 05 2017 : 03:12:37 AM
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I had one lately that woudnt "close" all the way when activated electrically, but worked great manually. No amount of tinkering would help it. I replaced the switch machine and it works perfectly now.
Make sure the throwbar isn't binding against the roadbed, it needs to "float"
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Posted - January 30 2017 : 8:35:04 PM
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the atlas snap switches are problematic because of their design. atlas 4s would be a much more reliable choice. But it occurs to me that if your points are drifting under a train you don't have the switch motor properly adjusted.
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