Point rail gap?

yellow_cad May 10, 2019

  1. yellow_cad

    yellow_cad TrainBoard Member

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    Could someone please tell me exactly what the point rail gap is and how to measure it as to meeting specs? Thanks, Jim
     
  2. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    The space between the point rail and the stock rail (for the point which isn't going to rode on)? An NMRA gauge is the best tool for that.
     
  3. yellow_cad

    yellow_cad TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Rick, but I still can't visualize exactly where this measurement is to take place.
     
  4. Atani

    Atani TrainBoard Member

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    between the stock rail and the points. This gap prevents a short between the wheel and the points, or a derailment due to hitting the points when the turnout is not aligned for the route.
     
  5. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    At the throwbar, the points the moving rails, the stock rails are the two outer fixed rails. Depending on the position of the switch, one point will be against its stock rail, the other will be away from its. The gap is the open space between that point and stock rail (I.e. the space where the wheel goes when following the stock rail)
     
  6. Tony Burzio

    Tony Burzio TrainBoard Supporter

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    It’s the width of an S Scale 2x4, the standard wood tie used in hand laying track ( it matches the PC tie thickness). We place one of these ties in the gap while soldering, as it keeps the solder out of the gap while also holding the point at the correct angle.
     
  7. Rich_S

    Rich_S TrainBoard Member

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    You know the old saying "A Picture is worth a thousand words" maybe these will help?

    DSCN2032.JPG

    DSCN2033.JPG
     
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  8. yellow_cad

    yellow_cad TrainBoard Member

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    A picture surely is worth a thousand words. Thanks for sending. I have one more question: Then if the gauge fits within this gap the gap is correct, but does it matter if the gap is slightly larger than the gauge points?
     
  9. vasilis

    vasilis TrainBoard Member

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  10. bill pearce

    bill pearce TrainBoard Member

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    If your points are hinged, a bit extra shouldn't be a problem, but if you are just bending the rail, as in a handlaid turnout, you shouldn't let it get too much bigger. Just don't let it get huge. The wider the gar the harder to actuate.
     
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  11. tracktoo

    tracktoo TrainBoard Member

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    At the point rails it wouldn't hurt if they were a little wide other than travel and flex as has been pointed out. The clearance at the guard rails, on the other hand, is actually important. NMRA has specs for each scale.
     
  12. Tony Burzio

    Tony Burzio TrainBoard Supporter

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    Gap is part of the problem, but you can still mess up a point if the approach angle is wrong. This is why we use wood ties, it sets the gap AND the approach angle when soldering.
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2019

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