This one really has me scratching my head and I sure would really appreciate some help figuring this out.
I’m using Bachmann EZ-Track on the HO railroad I’m trying to build.
I have some EZ-Track #6 turnouts which I have no problems with but I’m having issues the #5’s I purchased.
There isn’t any problems with attaching any piece of EZ-Track to the entry to a #5 turnout, left or right, the issue comes with attaching pieces of EZ-Track to the other end, either going straight or turnout.
None of the pieces of EZ-Track weather curved straight or anything else will fit, one piece of track interferes with the section of track on the other side…they want to overlap each other.
I can’t find any solution to this issue. The #6 turnouts don’t have this problem.
It seems like a stupid Bachmann design flaw like the tracks not having small cutouts to run wires under the roadbed.
It seems that a piece of track has to be cut on an angle in order to two pieces of track for the straight and turnout sections of the #5 switch. I can’t believe this has to be done.
Without any experience with Bachmann E-track,not that I want any either,I would suggest,putting that small section of straight track,on the diverging route and see how it lines up then…I believe,that is the reason it is provided…Just like a Atlas snap-switch,supplies a small section of track for the diverging route.
I tried the small piece of track supplied with the switch on the diverging route but then I can’t fit in any other track on the main route.
I guess I’ll have to call the Bachmann people on Monday as I can’t figure out what this small piece of track will do and how to fit in any tracks on the portion of the switch where the diverging route and main route are.
Why does this have to be so problematic?
Even Bachmann’s own pictures of the switch show where the diverging route section is longer then main route and the diverging route has a notch the added where the main route track will fit properly but the actual product wasn’t produced that way.
In the long run that’s what I think I’ll have to do. Although this shouldn’t be necessary because Bachmann should produce a product which is ready to go.
I bought these so I wouldn’t have to make any such alterations. The product should be what the manufacture shows in it’s documentation.
Welcome to the next stage in model railroading. Sure all the pieces fit together, but different turnout sizes are different lengths, hence the short fitter piece supplied. Also why the offer packs like the EZ Track Connector Assortment - little fitter peices to take up the differences in geometry. It’s pretty much impossible to have various turnout sizes and a limited set of curve radii and straight lenghts and have it perfectly match up under every circumstance. Atlas sectional track is no different - even some of their plan books result in a slight kink in the final connection, which you end up having to distribute along several connections to avoid operating problems.
The filler piece as supplied by Bachmann doesn’t do anything when connected to the end of the divergent or straight section of the switch.
I have a number of different EZ-Track sectional pieces and when you snap in any track section to either the divergent or straight sections you can’t connect an piece of track to the other section no how, no way. The track roadbed bangs into the other one preventing a connection to the switch.
I’ve tried any number of things to get a fit but nothing will work. You can put any number of sections of track at the dual end of the switch but it’s the problem right at the switch trying to get something to fit correctly.
I’ll have to see what’s in that pack you are talking about to see if anything will work.
If one needs additional track section to make connections on the #5’s then Backmann should clearly say so.
After exhaustive research into this problem and coming up with nothing I did some common sense investigation.
You have to understand that most manufactures put parts into things because they think we need them whether we really believe that or not.
So, after staring at the Bachmann EZ-Track #5 turnout package I decided that there really must be a reason for them putting this small section of straight track in with the switch.
Now, Bachmann might not feel it’s worth their time to tell the user why or for what purpose this small section of track is included with the switch and no where on the package is anything said regarding this piece of track. This is really a stupid thing to do.
I flipped this piece of track over along with some other small sections of EZ-Track and right away one thing stood out. The track included in the switch package is different then the other sections of small track.
On the under side is a scribe where to cut into the roadbed in order to adjust this section of track to allow for an angle so it should be placed on the divergent side of the turnout, now any track connected on the straight section of the switch will fit correctly.
Does that mean Randy and I, get our prize now?? I believe,we both said the same thing, about the diverging route…I also included,that I don’t have experience with Bachmann E-track,bbutttt…To say the least,Bachmann, is not the only one that is lacking in explaining what is for what in they’re instructions…
Glad You got it figured,investigative determination…[bow]
This raises another question as I am having the exact same problem with my #5 turnouts as I am trying to make a wye. The include a short little section of track with both the #5 left and right turnouts with the lil cut in the inside to allow the 2 tracks to be able to fit properly hover for the #5 wye swith that connects the 2 tracks together at the tail of the eye they only include 1 of those 2 inch section with the scribe thing too be cut out too allow the 2 track to connect without overlapping. Why doesn’t Bachman give u 2 of those little sections of track for the #5 wye swith? That is what is need to make it fit right. And also where can I buy another one of these little 2 inch sections with the section that can be cut out so it fits since they did not give me 2 in the package for the # 5 wye switch.? Please help anyone. Thanks sincerely Jeremy571.
Dear Howardr, if you post some pics it would be much easier. I also use Bachmann EZ Track and have had problems, but have also fixed them. I will be able to help you much easier if you post ics. Thank you.