03-19-2018, 09:15 AM
faraway Wrote:....I assumed no mechanical problems but the lack of a powerful switch machine made it clear how much glue interfered with the simple mechanic. It toke about 10 minutes per switch to remove all set glue to get a smooth operation with a simple over center spring.....
Reinhard, a good way to prevent ballasting glue from interfering with turnouts is to put a little plastic compatible oil on the ties over which the points move, then move the points back and forth a few times to spread the oil. Do this after the ballast is in place - otherwise, the ballast will stick to the oil. Before spraying with "wet" water, park the points at mid-throw, so that they're not touching either stock rail - if the operating spring is in-place, use bits of styrene to prevent the points from moving towards the stock rails. Apply the diluted glue mixture, then allow it to completely dry before removing the styrene blocking.
Wayne