Anyone know how to fix broken Atlas points?

crazy glue is the way I fix the non moving rails. if that point pivots then you are up s---- creek. a weak point for sure. a sure fix would be Ross

I would call Atlas and ask if they have replacement parts for those. They are just held on by a screw from the bottom at the pivot point and fastened to the plastic pin in the throw bar on the point end.

 

I have gotten throw bars, springs and throw bar linkages from Atlas recently, but have never asked them about the point rails? Sure looks like a replaceable part though and an easy replacement.

I have a switch with the same issue.  Let us know if Atlas would sell you the point.

Carl - Measure the length of the point. Sometimes they are used on more than one version of the switch.  I have a few switches that are useful for parts.  Perhaps I have a point that would work.

 

If I do have a point for you, the problem then becomes the piece that holds the point on.  I haven't been able to come up with any, not to say they aren't out there somewhere. 

 

email me when you come up with the measurement.  I won't remember this thread.  I'm too old.

If you call Atlas, I should probably add that when I ordered switch parts, I had to talk to one of Atlas' engineers. They have them but they are not on their parts lists and the regular parts people can't help. The guy I talked to was out the day I called. He called me back the next day. He was very helpful too.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.  The dab of rubber cement is working surprisingly well; there's no residual tension on the points, so they do not want to spring back when tension is applied. Even if I have to re-apply 2-3 times per year, in my mind this is still better than chipping-out the ballast and trying to remove the switch from the layout to get at the point pivot screw from the bottom.

 

Howard, it's a 2.5" point that creates the straight leg of the switch; Thanks, but as I noted, my repair seems to be working.

 

I may still contact Atlas on Monday to see if the point rails are available; might be good to have some for future use.

Actually for bonding metal, your best bet is job weld epoxy.  A toothpick's worth will hold that piece for a long time.

Glad the glue is holding for you so far and you didn't have to rip anything out to repair it.

 

If you do contact Atlas, would you please post your findings back here to this thread. You have gotten me thinking the same thing, it would be very nice to have a few on hand just in case.