AtlasO SD35's sparking on AtlasO turnouts

Perhaps some liquid tape on top of the center rail in that area will provide enough insulation to stop the arcing. A little between the also, if there is a gap.(Green for visual effect)

It's easier to do before going to the wheel change on the offender.

Some flangeless wheels are beveled to prevent this on some 036 turnouts. I had to do that to a steamer. I ran the engine upside down and held a file to the edge of the wheel. Probably the severity of degree of the turnout as well makes all the difference.

I had this problem with an MTH 4-8-4 on an Atlas O72 switches. The drivers would just barely touch the diverging route center rail when the engine was passing straight trough the switch. Fortunately my power supply is a Lionel brick which has to have the fastest circuit breaker available. Instead of the light show, the breaker would trip immediately.

Solved the problem by carefully grinding down the top end of the tip of the diverging rail maybe 1/32". Gives just enough clearance so the drivers don't touch the diverging center rail.

In any case I never had a problem with any of my Atlas diesels doing this. What size switch is giving you the problem?

Ken

Stewart: kanawha has it right; I've had this issue with 7.5 degree turnouts as well and grinding judiciously on the top or nearest edge of the offending rail is the permanent solution to this issue. I had a Lionel PS-2 covered hopper driving me nuts for a few weeks until I could find the cause (didn't do it all the time...) and it was solved by increasing the gap between the center rail and frog that ultimately solved the issue.

Larry

I had this with a postwar Trainmaster.  I just grabbed some of my wife's clear fingernail polish top coat and put it on the end of the rail - fixed the problem with no issues so far.

Thanks for all of the replies guys!

I called AtlasO to get their input. I'll let you know what their suggestion is when they get back to me.

After a talk with AtlasO, the problem has been solved. I have two of the earliest SD35's. As it was explained to me, the wheels on the blind wheelsets are the same width as the flanged wheels, and as they pass through the switch, make contact with the middle rail of the diverging route (as suspected.) Later models were produced with a bevel that my current units don't have. I have replacement wheelsets coming and it will be a quick swap out of the parts.

A quick update: The replacement wheelsets also sparked on the turnouts. Before doing any grinding of the rails, I'll be stopping by the hardware store to find some liquid tape to try out.

Oh, and this time, one of the sparks launched about 8" in an arc. I was perplexed as I didn't know whether applaud the fireworks show or grab the fire extinguisher.

A small piece of tape will test the theory.

Just a thought, but if you getting sparks of that size, how much power are you supplying to your track? Have you considered lowering the available amperage a bit? 

I also have an early (apparently) Atlas SD35 and have tried everything I could think of to stop the problem.  I ground the truck sideframes down, applies tape to test theories, and etc.  I finally gave up and have a very nice looking "shelf queen".  I use all Atlas track and switches too.

It is a shame because the engine looks and runs very well except for the arching and sparking.  It has great sounds for an early TMCC engine.  Because of this, I have not bought any more Atlas engines as I worry they will do the same thing.

Art