Don't usually contribute to this column because I don't want to bore you guys. BUT, over the weekend I determined that i needed to replace a Gargraves switch in what is the most important, most used area of the whole layout. Right here the main line tracks go from a double track to a single track main. Every train that runs on the layout must go through this switch, actually twice as it circumnavigates the layout.
Everything was fine until I had a minor (?) derailment just before the switch and a derailed car was drawn across the switch. Naturally, it completely derailed and caused a short. So when I lifted the train off the track, here the cars had snagged the Gargraves points and bent them all to heck. Tried straightening the points but it just wouldn't work. The switch was toast. That particular switch is a "controlled spring switch" so it has to move easily to allow the wheel flanges to pass through without having to turn the switch each time.
So I ordered a new, Ross #6 switch to replace the Gargraves and spent most of the weekend replacing it. Had a lot of ballast to remove plus a loading platform for one of my stations so there was a lot of futzing around just to do the job. So I get the job done (?), refasten the Gargraves track down to the cork roadbed and the Homosote underlayment and I figure the job is done. Wrong: the first train I run over the new switch bounces and shakes around, although it stays on the track. Further examination shows that with my poor eyesight, plus trying to get the job done in time, I missed one of the six track pins on the track leading from the switch. Nuts! I wasn't going to lift that whole section up again just to fix it. The old trusty Dremel came in handy and I took a HD cutting wheel and cut right through the track pin, lifted one of the rails while pushing down on the one on the switch and got it running smooth again.
Heck, I might even need that rail cut if I ever decide to wire up my Atlas signals for the area!
Paul Fischer
