Point Rods

[bulleidboy]

As I mentioned elsewhere, I have found that some loco's that still have the NEM coupling, the piece that hangs down sometime catches the top of a point rod, causing the loco to stop dead in its tracks. I cut the point rods down as far as I could with a pair of side cutters. Can I grind down the very short length that still protrudes?

[Walkingthedog]

I used to just cut off the bit that hangs down leaving just enough to lift the hook for uncoupling.

[Steve M]

As I mentioned elsewhere, I have found that some loco's that still have the NEM coupling, the piece that hangs down sometime catches the top of a point rod, causing the loco to stop dead in its tracks. I cut the point rods down as far as I could with a pair of side cutters. Can I grind down the very short length that still protrudes?

Yes Barry, but be careful not to heat the rod so that it melts the tiebar. Light touches with the Dremel and take your time.

[Walkingthedog]

What couplings do you use Barry?

[bulleidboy]

Usually Kadees, but there are a few NEM and the old Hornby "D". The loco and coaches in the video are still as they came out of the box - so need changing. However there are a few point rods that are just a fraction too long.

[Steve M]

Kadees do have a tendency to drag - even worse in reverse! Do you have the special pliers for adjusting the shape of the dangly metal bit?
I’m slowly changing my couplings to Hunt magnetic couplings - totally useless if you’re into shunting but ideal if you just watch the trains go round.

[Hound Dog]

For what it is worth I put a 90 degree bend the tang that hangs down on the coupling using long nosed pliers……has a couple of advantages :-

A) doesn’t snag on points etc

B) gives a nice flat surface to assist decoupling with a suitable hand tool

C) It is more pleasing to the eye than a long tang hanging down.

Hope this helps - cheers Richard

[bulleidboy]

The rods are the problem. When I clean the track, the cloth(?) on the bottom of the cleaning wagon catches the rod. I think a careful grinding session is required. I do have both the Kadee pliers and height gauge, many that have been fitted have been bent and checked for height. Many thanks for the suggestions.