Bad Rail Alignment on RealTrax

Here is another photo of one I zoom in on

 

 

I'm thinking about using something to hold the rail in alignment and then drop a bead of solder in to hold it. I'll replace both track pieces after ward when I have it apart.

Looks like "hollow rail". If so, a track pin might work better.

Thanks. I do believe a pin would do the job except that I can't get into it to take the track apart without taking the Christmas tree down. I tried bending it with pliers and got it to work without the wheels slamming into it, but its not perfect and I don't know how long it will be before it starts hitting again.

I found another one that's out in the open and I'm going to take it apart and try a pin.

For some reason the MTH hollow track is terrible about lining up. I had to adjust about 10 pieces in a loop by bending them into alignment with lineman's pliers.    Joe

I agree and do the same ...

Thanks joe, this is the first time I’ve had trouble with the alignment and I’ve had this track for about 6 years although I have taken it apart a few times to change the configuration. Its usually the contacts that I have trouble with and I always have to bend them around, 

Anyway I’ve had my Lionel polar express running around on it since I bent it with the pliers and I haven’t heard any clumping yet.

I ordered some tubular track pins a few weeks ago that are supposed to come in today and I’m going to see how the fit as soon as they arrive. If they fit I might start using them on all future track installs.

I have had several problems like this with the hollow track, not the older solid track.

I had it under a tunnel and it coused chronic derailment.

I had to replace it.

I have been thinking about how to fix.  A pin would work good putting it together, but when you go to bend it to separate the track - - not so good!

 

Ben

 

NavyBen,

   Stick with the sold RealTrax especially in the tunnels, I have the old solid stuff as my inner most oval, as long as I leave it where it was originally placed, it runs smooth as silk.  The newer hollow stuff does have some problems with perfect rail alignment.

PCRR/Dave

Bent mine with a needle nose pliers and I mean I bent it poof smooth as silk! Got the idea from reading your comments! That info and a little rage did the trick ! Thanks

I agree with Pine  creek. I have solid rail on the big layout and have run it for over 12 ears with very minor issues....none alignment issues.Bad welds caused some issues on the solid rail.

The hollow rail was bought in a Christmas set and was badly misaligned until I adjusted it.   Joe