Points not throwing fully across

Help with designing your track work
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Steve M
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#51

Post by Steve M »

With nothing holding the rails for what looks like an inch or so, I would check the rails aren't squeezing together, pinching the wheels and making them ride up.
I would not recommend going from a curve directly to a point either and as this is an awkward area I reckon a combination of all these things are causing the issue.
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Mike Parkes
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#52

Post by Mike Parkes »

Agree gauge narrowing could be occurring slightly on the section that has no sleepers - any curve in the Setrack radiis I usually find works better using Setrack than Flexi and often look beyond the UK ranges to those made by the European ranges where a c 482mm radii curve is offered which usefully that bit sharper than UK 3rd radii but not as sharp as UK 2nd radii.
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ajcooper4
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#53

Post by ajcooper4 »

Thank you for the further contributions. Not had much time this weekend. I have some digital calipers so when I have time will carefully measure between the tracks. Always a tricky one because of the need to remove sleepers under flexitrack to secure fishplates.

It’s only my 4-4-0 County that has a derailment issue when running nose first into the toe of the point. Tender first is ok as are the other locomotives running both ways.

I also think it’s the kind of issue you encounter when you’re short of space inevitably leading to some work around compromises.
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ajcooper4
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#54

Post by ajcooper4 »

Update

Track gauging all fine. Point seems to be throwing fully. Derailments continue when entering the toe of the point and continuing to turn left, as it were.

I am beginning to think that the issue is the point being on a curve.

Moving it is a big rebuild unfortunately but will hopefully be worth it.

Further thoughts?
Last edited by ajcooper4 on Sat Mar 09, 2019 11:28 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Walkingthedog
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#55

Post by Walkingthedog »

I don’t think you have any other choice I’m afraid.
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ajcooper4
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#56

Post by ajcooper4 »

Always tricky in a confined space when radius is limited. Now....where's the Dremmel?
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ajcooper4
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#57

Post by ajcooper4 »

One other thought - a slight elevation on the outside of the curve to mitigate against a tendency to move across the points and derail.

Anyone ever done this?

Found an old Peco publication suggesting it up to a maximum of 40 thou.
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Steve M
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#58

Post by Steve M »

Sorry, but that sounds a bit like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.
IMHO the point is badly located being too close to a curve thus laying it correctly, ie flat and with no tension has proved challenging. It has also made adjustments and maintenance almost impossible.
Better to bite the bullet, redesign that part of the layout and hopefully move forward.
Sorry if you feel that is a bit harsh but it’s time to admit defeat.
"Not very stable, but incredibly versatile." ;)
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ajcooper4
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#59

Post by ajcooper4 »

Steve, thank you. Not harsh, honest. Honest is good.

I think I’m probably scratching around to find a way of not pulling track up because I only have room for one loop so radii tight. May not have the option.
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Steve M
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Re: Points not throwing fully across

#60

Post by Steve M »

I can't remember if you have posted a track plan or not? If you can do so, you may get some more options from the forum.
"Not very stable, but incredibly versatile." ;)
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