Atlas switch

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have a ho scale atlas #6 switch, im having a issue with my locomotives stalling going threw it.ll what can I do to solve this problem

2

Several things to look at: o - What brand & model is the locomotive? Short wheelbase switching locomotives like 0-4-0 steamers or short diesels may be stalling on the insulated frog area where the rails cross. o - How is the turnout thrown? Are you using an electric switch machine, or some kind of manual switch machine? You will have problems if you do not use some kind of switch machine or ground throw as the ‘points’ are not firmly held against the outside stock rails. Jim

3

Put a drop or two of a contact cleaner / lubricant such as CRC 2/26 on each of the rivets in the center of the turnout. Now push the points, (moveable rails) manually back and forth to scrub the contact area and tell us if this improves the stalling.

4

Is your turnout code 100 or code 83?

5

Code 100 , dc

6

Problem solved… Just replaced the switch…

7

Sometimes you can do some “tuning” on switches such as file a bevel on the points to help keeping wheels from picking them and derailing. MR had a nice article with photo’s some years back. I’ve done that to my Atlas turnouts.

8

LOL

That was gonna be my suggestion.

Don’t toss the turnout though, it can be fixed, whatever the problem is.

Rich