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Kato Unitrack Electric Turnout # 6 (right) Track and electrical/DCC
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New member 3 posts jrschmidt New member 3 posts
jrschmidt

I am having a real problem with the above cited Kato equipment, and am wondering if anyone else has had similar problems, or can tell me what I've done incorrectly. The problem is this: when I test the turnout and use the manual controls the points DO NOT move as they should(from thru route to diverging route and visa-versa) The points are not frozen or stuck, as I can move them with my finger. When connected to an electrical supply and activated, I can hear the mechanism operating but again the points will not move or set. I am becoming very paranoid about this, as this is the FOURTH set of this turnout I've received all with the same problem. Kato says return to vendor, vendor accepts the return but replacements act the same. Both Kato and the vendor say they have never heard of this problem or can offer a solution, except return the product, this does not help; as I need this turnout to work. Any suggestions?
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Michael Tondee MRH Author 5,540 posts
Michael Tondee

You may not be comfortable doing it.....

But I would lay it trackside down on a flat surface and carefully remove the metal plate on the bottom to expose the innards. I used to make  position indicator signals for Kato turnouts and I would mount them to the side of the plastic ballast profile and do all my wiring internally.  It's been quite some time but IIRC there is  and actuating wire in there. I accidently knocked mine loose sometimes while working on the turnout but maybe yours have just come loose for some reason. In any case it's poor QC from Kato which is not like them at all.

Michael

Michael, A.R.S. W4HIJ

 Model Rail, electronics experimenter and "mad scientist" for over 50 years.

Member of  "The Amigos" and staunch disciple of the "Wizard of Monterey"

My Pike: The Blackwater Island Logging&Mining Co.
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