Points not throwing fully across

[ajcooper4]

If anyone is still following an update and a question.

Points lifted and new unit soldered up and, after a couple of fiddly false starts, located onto the two emerging tracks. I will attempt to join the toe end tomorrow.

I am never entirely happy with the join between points and (none toe end) track. Now that I have relaid I am even less happy so I attach two pictures for your views - the left track is rather scruffy now as you can see. I do feel the gap is too much - as big as the insulated gap. Trains always rock slightly going over points I get that - but do any of you think that the section of track coming out of the left of these points might usefully be replaced? The points are secure in place now so it should be manageable.

[Brian]

The gap in the rail joint seems to me to be too large and may well cause running problems?
There shouldn't be any appreciable gap and the thickness of a postcard when the ambient air temperature is around 20C is the maximum I would allow.
Can you pull or push the rail of the abutting track forward to close the gap?

[ajcooper4]

Brian in moving the rail along it inevitably opens up the gap at the other end of a short section - which runs into the toe of the next point. I assume you are looking at the gap nearest the bottom of the picture?

I think the solution might be to fix up the tow end of this replaced point and get that snug and secure. Then slide the fishplates back and replace the (left turning) section with the larger gap. Theoretically it should have been ok as I have relaid the point in the same place but it's never spot on is it?

[Walkingthedog]

In the second picture the bottom track joins the points at a funny angle. There is a definite kink, the track need to be pushed up as viewed.

[ajcooper4]

WTD I agree. I am going to secure the toe end of the new point first and then replace the section that is now at this slightly off angle. I knew this would need to be done in a few stages and would not be straightforward.

[ajcooper4]

I’ve relaid the point and the toe end is secure. I’ve rejoined the toe end track - seems fine with a radius of about 450mm for a very short section.

I’ve removed the lower section of outgoing track and will carefully relay this with a better union with the points. Fingers crossed!

[ajcooper4]

Apologies that this saga runs on - further advice thoughts very welcome.

New point laid no obstruction, clicking across cleanly. Toe end reconnected and sits nicely. Lower section of track from non-toe end I have relaid and it fits very much better with minimal gaps. Overall radius just under 457mm - see picture with Traksetta gauge alongside.

I ran my 4-4-0 County across it from toe end - immediate derailment, even at slow speeds.

Apart from a very slight side to side movement across the points (normal I would expect) my J15 runs across it without derailing loco and tender first. The J15 is the locomotive where I noticed the problem originally. The 14xx is the same, goes across ok.

Perhaps I am being stupid and missing someting but I have relaid carefully and the pictures show nice gaps and smooth curves.

Tearing my hair out a bit to be honest!

[Walkingthedog]

Check the wheel back to back measurement on the County.

[ajcooper4]

WTD thank you. Forgive me - what does that mean exactly?

[ajcooper4]

I ought to have added it's only a problem for the County when entering from the toe end.