Does Anybody Know How To DO this ????

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi guys

Does anybody know how I would remove a broken Bachmann E-Z Track turnout so I can replace it. I cant figure out how I would get it out because all the track is spiked in place. I hope someone can answer this for me

Thanks for any info

Jeremy

2

unspike the track.

If it was normal track then you could pu***he railjoiners all the way onto the tracks that adjoined the turnout and lift it out vertically (although ballasting would make this harder) but because the EZ track has those tabs on them so they don’t come undone easily you can’t.

still, at least it will be easy to stick back together.

neil

3

I’d suggest cutting the defective one with a Dremel wheel cutter or something like,a slight distance from both adjoining tracks,then trim the tracks clean(cutting the tabs) so the new one can be dropped vertically(after cutting its tabs too) in place of the old one.This way you wouldn’t have to remove any trackwork other than the turnout itself.Since the trackwork is already holding firm,its only a matter of securing the new turnout(glue,screws,etc).Done carefully,the track joint should be minimal so a touch of solder should restaure conductivity easily.

4

Yep, cut out the old. Trim the tabs off the new. If you can remove the connecting track on the single end of the turnout too (or two of them) sometimes you can re-install in the normal manner

5

Kinda takes the EZ out of EZ track huh? While your removing the turnout, rip up all the
toy track and lay some roadbed and HARD-TRACK ( hard track is what we all used
before laZy-track ). You will be rewarded with a good looking layout and the satisfaction
of not taking the EZ route. Dave

[soapbox] I apologize in advance. I know someone will slam me for this post.

6

Jeremy;

I would go a different route from what has been suggested above.

I am assuming here that when you say “broken” you are referring to the solenoid switch machine rather than the track itself.

My suggestion is to convert to a Tortise or Switchmaster motor type machine, and just leave the track in place. Mount the motor type under your layout.

E-Z track is perfectly good track, the solenoid switch machines used are not any better than Atlas’s and are easily burned out.