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My points have disassembled!

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184 views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  Norman Byrne  
#1 ·
Hello I am back into the hobby after approx 40 years away and have created a little branch terminus layout. However yesterday one of the main points failed when the plastic bar between the two rails in the moveable bit of the point came detached from the push/pull lever. I am left with two free floating rails that have some holes in the ends of the metal rails and the plastic bar that looks as if it has lugs that might fit through the holes and tie them to the switching bar. However I have not managed to get it all together and now the little spring has come loose too. Does anyone have a diagram of how it is all supposed to go back together so that I can try to reassemble it all please?
 
#2 ·
Hi Phil,
Both welcome back to the Forum & also back to the MR Hobby.
It sounds like you have Insulfrog / Insulated Points, & funnily enough there have been quite a few recent posts of Point problems, including wayward springs - just ask Smudge !
If you could perhaps post some pics or more details of the points you actually have - Hornby / Peco / Etc; it will make offering advice / information a little easier for everyone.
Also how are you operating your points ?
Cheers for now, Norm
 
#4 ·
Welcome back to MR and the Wacky Forum. I say that because, between you and me, they're a weird bunch. But please don't say I said so because they actually are a very knowledgeable gang so enjoy the fun and banter .... And the help!
Let us know what layout you have or are planning and sure you'll get help with points soon.
 
#7 ·
Morning Phil,
Thanks for posting the photos assists a lot.
They look like Peco Points & as you say the Tie Rod has come away from the point Blades, plus the Spring has now gone walkabouts too - the later seems to be a common problem of late as mentioned previously.
The diagram below shows the various parts of a typical Peco Point (Streamline version), & the subsequent link to a walk through workbench article on similar repairs -
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Hope it assists, no doubt there are other possible solutions & other members will no doubt offer further advice / suggestions too idc.
Anyway Good Luck & let us know how you get on, Cheers for now, Norm
 
#8 ·
Although the pic. size is a little small for me to be sure, I think your rearrangement of the point blades may be incorrect, which won't help

The little tab with hole in near the blade end engages on the tie bar, and the other little tab on the other side of the blade should go under the stock rail. This is a design from Peco's past, and many of mine of this type wore out years ago, thanks to a liking for plenty of operation...
 
#13 ·
I managed with magnifying glass, good lighting and a bit of super glue to get it all reassembled(minus the spring). Ran beautifully for about a half hour and then the copper strip that provides the electrical connection fell off the bottom of the stock rail!!! Resorted to red wine and will try a bit of in situ upside down soldering tomorrow. I suspect however that, as advised above, the need for a new one is exponentially nearer:(Thanks everyone for your guidance(y)