MTH Realtrax Switch Issues

With all the fubar problems that I have had with MTH 042 Realtrax switches, I will keep this thread close by for reference. Thanks to all who have researched far more problem solving than me. 

Love the screw idea but it does scare me a bit...also prefer not to mess with the NS loco so tonight gonna try gluing some plastic strips to fill the gap a bit and see what happens...I found this plastic backing on a set of paint color samples at the office...fairly easy to cut but pretty strong in small pieces so hopefully will work.

With MTH going out of business I also bought a couple extra switches to have on hand in case anything goes awry...now have 2 extra left hand and 2 extra right hand.  Next will be learning how to incorporate Lionel operating systems into our MTH based layout...hopefully in a cost efficient manner.

On a side note, we're architects so have lots of samples (carpet, fabric, wall paper, etc.) that I'm bringing home so the little guy can use to finish the inside of buildings, passenger cars, etc.

Thank you again for the responses...it still bugs me a great deal that this should even be necessary with how much these things cost but so glad to have you guys to turn to for advice and work thru the issues.

I think it worked!  Won't feel 100% comfortable until we run other cars, locks, etc. in all directions but the problem loco goes thru no problem.  Doesn't even look too bad really.

Thank you again everyone!

Great deal!  I guarantee that will do the trick, as long as the glue holds!  

Looks good ........ I might even glue a small section of the plastic to the new strip right at the end of the center rail to extend it a little so that the roller does not ride off-center.

Thank you Richie...I may do that...would also clean up the look a bit.

Love little victories...silly as it may sound to some this is a big weight off my shoulders as it's been a frustrating problem holding back progress on our layout for quite some time...couldn't get myself to really work on scenery, etc. until I felt confident with the track work and trains running without issues.

My little guy will feel more confident running trains now and we can focus on scenery and enjoy running trains more.

Good deal - if it works, you can always paint it gray and it will look just like it belongs there !

Nice job. I added plastic to the curve side guard and it keeps the lead truck from wanting to go straight.