How to eliminate derailments on turnouts

Andrey Feb 17, 2020

  1. Andrey

    Andrey TrainBoard Member

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    Hello! In this thread I will explain, how to modify turnouts to completely eliminate derailments on them. To achieve this, the following should be done:
    1) Install high guard rails on your turnout. My turnouts are equipped with guard rails, which are 0.6 mm (0.0236'') higher than the top of the rails. This prevents derailments on the frog while allows diesel gearboxes to move above them.
    2) If blades of turnout are not sharp enough, they should be sharpened. This will prevent flanges of wheels to climb up the blade.
    3) Blades of turnout should be at the same height as the top of the rails, or slightly higher. If blade is lower than the top of the rails, you should glue a shim on the sleeper to rise it up. Try at least rise up the beginning of the blade.
    4) All sharp angles should be smoothened with file. I will show this in following video.

    This is video of modified turnouts in action:


    Modified double slip and 3-way turnout in action:


    Real turnouts with high guard rails:
     
  2. Andrey

    Andrey TrainBoard Member

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    This is detailed video how to modify turnouts:


    How to modify double slip, Part 1:


    How to modify double slip, Part 2:
     
  3. Andrey

    Andrey TrainBoard Member

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    Comparison of turnouts (HO scale, Kadee truck):
    Turnout with high guard rails:
    [​IMG]

    Turnout with standard guard rails:
    [​IMG]
     

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