RMeyer

Our RR club is in the process of building some new modules with a mixture of Atlas code 100 Mark IV and Mark V turnouts. We had to use a mixture because we could not find enough of either one. We have 8 of the #6 Mark Vs and so far the points have fallen out of two of them and we have not even put them into operation. When we stand the modules on end to move them, the pivoting end of the point rail falls out of the turnout. Atlas says to return them but we did not discover the problem until they were mounted on the modules.

FYI. The point rails on the Mark IV were attached with a rivet that did not always make good contact but it never fell out. The Mark Vs have a small pin on the bottom side of the pivoting end. This pin is supposed to go in a hole that is in a small metal plate attached to the ties. I assume the bottom of the pin is supposed to be a bit larger to keep it from sliding out. At this point we would like to go back to the Mark IVs for everything.

Has anyone else encountered this problem? Does anyone know of a simple fix?

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Tom

Yes I had that problem

I had to replace 4 older switches. I noticed one having that problem even before I opened the package up.

The quality of them seems really bad. I think they also have an issue with the frog sitting higher than the rail on both sides of the frog.

I just used super glue to glue the rail into place. I used a knife sharpening stone to lower the frog height by filing it down.

I haven't had any issues with them since I did this.

Tom

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keystonefarm

Atlas turnout issues

The new turnouts have a very small split washer on the pin holding the point pivot in place. They do not seem to be installed completely by the Chinese so they fall off. They are usually rattling around in the package. Once completely installed they do stay on. Hopefully Atlas will have some spares to send to buyers of these improved turnouts ---------- Ken 

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