Atlas Code 55 switches

[shark_jj]

Is anyone else noticing how fragile Atlas's code 55 switches are.  I am not sure if it is a factor of the rail size or whether their quality control sucks.  In any event of the 110 switches I have laid, 6 have failed in service.  My buddy Justin, has also had 6 fail out of a little over 100 on his layout.  The failure occurs in two areas.  Firstly, the little pop rivet at the back of the points breaks, secondly, the points themselves break loose from the throw bar.  Justin is a bit of a track whiz and has found solutions to both problems.  Dropping some silicon caulk into the hole of the rivet on top of the rail glues the rail back to the rivet while still allowing some flexibility for it to move.  The throw bar can be replaced with a PCB board tie and the points soldered to the PCB board to solve the throwbar problem.  I am going out to work on his layout on tuesday and will take some photos and post them of the solutions.   In any event, a failure rate of 5-6% after only a year of fairly light service doesn't leave me feeling warm and fuzzy about the long term viability of these turnouts.  Thank goodness they're cheap.

[wm3798]

Mine have been in for about 5 years now, nowhere near 100 switches, but zero failures based on manufacturer defects.  I have blown up a couple as a result of operator error... but that's par for the course!

Lee

[Dave V]

I haven't had any Atlas c55 failures yet in my new yard.  Actually, what has failed is a pair of custom-built FastTracks turnouts I bought on eBay.  Both have had the points become unsoldered from the PC board throwbar.  That's, of course, a very easy fix.

Here's hoping I didn't just jinx everything!

[shark_jj]

That's interesting, I wonder if it is something that we are doing that is causing the problem.  Can't imagine what it would be, we don't do anything out of the ordinary when installing them.

[MichaelWinicki]

My failure rate has been comparable for Atlas code 55 switches, but each problem has been easily fixed.  Instead of caulk, I'm dropping a small bead of solder on the joint, and that takes care of it.  I haven't had the throw-bar issue yet, but I appreciate the tip.  

I haven't given it too much thought as far as being disappointed in the product...

I've always viewed switches as being the "weak link" when it comes to track work.  When I was working with Atlas code 80, I was dealing with switch issues also.

I too have had one of my FastTrack switches fail on me.

And I've certainly read on forums about folks having problems with Kato and Peco switches.

Again, I just think it's the nature of the beast.  

[wm3798]

"I've always viewed switches as being the "weak link" when it comes to track work."

It probably won't surprise you to learn that the big guys feel the same way...

Lee

[MichaelWinicki]

"I've always viewed switches as being the "weak link" when it comes to track work."

It probably won't surprise you to learn that the big guys feel the same way...

Lee

LOL!

Yeah, pretty much.

As much as I would like switches to be 100% bullet-proof.  It just isn't the case and I've come to expect that no matter who's switches I used I was going to have to tinker with them at some point.

[altohorn25]

We have had some of the same problems on the Mod-u-Trak layout as well, especially the point rails popping out.  Rubber cement seems to work as well.  It is rather annoying, especially when you have the scenery done around the turnout.  I'd rather just rip the whole thing out and start again, but that isn't as nice of an option if the scenery is done.

Anyone tried putting some kind of flexible adhesive on the point rails from the underside before installation?  Wondering if this would prevent the failure in advance.  An extra step, but it might be worth it.

I will probably try this the next time I install some of these.

Nate

[John]

I usually just hit the bottom with a soldering iron to close the hole up completely ..

[shark_jj]

Nate, the one thing we are doing is not soldering the joiners on the turnouts so that if necessary we can dig them out.  Electrical continuity is not a problem since I put drops on the outer rails of the turnout and also wire the frog.

[Chris333]

I have had these same problems. Usually that little round spring clip would pop off before I lay track, but it is a bi&ch atferwards. And sometimes the points won't stay close enough together on the drawbar. I just ACC them to the drawbar and that seems to work.