Walthers Turnouts and Rail Connectors

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

What do most people do to accomodate the placement of the rail connector onto the end of a walthers turnout? There just doesn’t seem to be enough room after the last tie to slide the connector on enough.

2

I cut under the end tie(s) with a razor saw.The rail joiners don’t need too much room to slide on,as they are pretty thin.

3

An Exacto knife applied to the ends allows ties to slide off. Ends can be left as is, or wood ties slipped underneath imroves looks.

Using same brand (Walthers code 83) & applied with NEEDLE NOSE pliars makes it easy.

BEST advice is to stick with a single brand. Rail is extruded, and tolerances’ vary. Shinohara is excellent, and makes Walthers’ code 83 under contract. This can change .

  1. Nothing is forever.

  2. Curved turnouts may look ‘cool’ but can cause problems if wheel flanges ‘pick’ frogs.