My #6 Kato turn out stopped working in one direction. It's not powered, I use the slide to change direction. It only works when straight, when diverged it only throws part way. I tried moving it with my finger but it won't go all the way. Thought something got in the slide hole, vaccued it out. No luck. Turnout is ballasted in. Help!
First I would check real close to make sure that a piece of ballast or something is not between the points and rail. I have had that happen. After that, the unthinkable, remove it and remove the back to find any other obstruction.
I'm afraid Harold is right, those are your only options I'm afraid. I would think there is some kind of obstruction as these points are pretty bullet proof
Take a small jewelers screwdriver and 'slightly' loosen the screw shown in the pic below. Worth a shot. .
Also check inside the slide switch slot for debris. But George is more than likely correct, every problem of this sort I have ever had on an n-scale Unitrack #6 is that screw.
Likewise. I've had trouble with some of mine and initially thought it was a connectivity issue. After hitting it with a conductive silver pen, only minor improvement. Then I tried adjusting the screw, and all was well. It can be a bit finicky, though; too tight, and it doesn't throw. Too loose, and you loose connectivity.
Just a suggestion: If your #6's have been on the layout awhile and you start getting intermittent conductivity issues... Take that screw all the way out...dont lose sight of it ! Raise the back end of the point rails up. Be careful !! The front of those connect to the switch on the underside of the trackbed with real fine stiff wire... Use a Qtip with 91% alcohol and wipe both the bottom plate AND the underside of the plate that gets screwed back down to the bottom plate. Screw them both together again...hoping you havent lost sight of that itty bitty screw... Adjust the screw for optimal performance. I have found after long running of trains...minute dust and gunk gets between those two plates and will cause connectivity problems....usually (but not always) going to the diverging side.
