So I’ve got one of my loops up and running with a DC pack to test things out. I’m having trouble with one #6 turnout. The train will open it when aprroaching and go onto the siding uninvited. At very low speed it does not happen, sometimes it will take 2 or 3 passes through it before it misbehaves.
It’s not misbehaving, you need some kind of device to keep the points of the switch in position, either a ground throw such as a Caboose Industries # 202 for manual operation or a Tortoise motor drive or a double solenoid. These are just 3 options of many.
What Jay said unless it’s a Peco turnout. They have a holding spring that keeps the points in position. The spring can be removed if you use a swicth machine with the turnout so it doesn’t have to fight the spring’s tension. If it was removed or omitted in assembly, reinstalling it will fix it so it holds the position you choose.
Need to know who is the manufacturer of the turnout your using and if it you have used a switch machine; or, ground throw?
If you do not have a switch motor or a ground throw attached, then the points are free to move. Railroads will spike such switch points. Hesk, I will spike such switch points until I can get a motor mounted for that switch.
If you are still “picking” the points, Inspect them! you may need to file down an offending burr or some ballast or debris on the tracks. Happens on the railroads too.
ROAR
Thanks all. I’d only used snap switches in the past. I’ll have to find some manual throws.
PKRobbins,
You will find this link useful. They make manual ground throws for all scales. Click on link:
http://www.cabooseind.com/BasicInfo
Take Care! [:D]
Frank