The Results! - Micro Engineering Turnouts & wheel gauge problems.

[@jdboys8809]

Thx for the Great update. I need turn-outs and was curious on what brand to go to. Now I know. Thank you

[@genejordan9983]

I agree with your findings. In fact I have been filling the guards for many years. Old problem due to the molding process of plastic. I’ve had several brands of turnouts with the same problem. Since wheel flange does vary, I check the gap of the guard on every turnout. The ideal gap is .030. Some are less than .020. Good video.

[@waynestrickland1763]

Thanks to bringing this to my attention. I was just looking at turnouts and trying to narrow my decision down and this helps.

[@DGModelworks]

Please be sure to check out my 'follow up' video. I am uploading now. I fixed them very easy. I still like them and think they are a good value. I would purchase more. Thanks! Deryk

[@grandparails8858]

I'm having same problem with easy track.I need get a gauge I guess.Thanks for the results.Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@DGModelworks]

Yeah, I finally needed a gauge. It's worth it. Hope you get your problem figured out. Merry Christmas to you and your family too! Deryk

[@BNSF9382]

Good info, thanks. Merry Christmas and I look forward to your updates…

[@uptownphotography]

So now that it is about 6.5 years later, have you resolved the problem by filing the guard rails to allow a little more space. Thanks.

[@DGModelworks]

I resolved the problem by filing the rails. I haven't checked any from new recent ones to see if they are still the same way.

[@uptownphotography]

@@DGModelworks I bought 30 ME turnouts in bulk to save about 8 or 10 years ago and haven't installed them yet. Hoping I will not have the same issue. I have a lot of older brass steam so time will tell when I get them installed. From your video it looked like you only had to file off a slight amount to get the NMRA gauge to drop in with the correct clearance.

[@DGModelworks]

I hope you don't have any issues either, but if you do. it is an easy fix, and doesn't require too much filing. Good luck with them.

[@uptownphotography]

@@DGModelworks Thanks and happy modeling. Question: Do you have any modelers in your area doing operation sessions once a month on their home layouts. I put an ad up on Craigslist in my area in NJ (Jersey Shore area one hour south of NYC) for over 9 months (it's still on Craigs) and could not find anyone with a home layout doing operation. I'd love to get in with some local modelers with a home layout operation session. Just curious. I plan on doing that when my layout is operational. (I hope....).....Thanks. Philip

[@DGModelworks]

@@uptownphotography Not that I'm aware of.

[@JohnAPrescott]

Dang man, sorry for your troubles. That's gotta sting...hope you get it worked out. I'm almost scared to buy any turnouts now, but I'm going with Peco so we will see how that turns out. I do believe I can shed some light on the whole Atlas fiasco. I remember reading a pretty long discussion topic on the Atlas track, and what it boils down to is that Bachmann bought the whole warehouse where the Atlas track was made. So...hence no more place to make track. I'm guessing that they've found a new warehouse to continue their operations now since I see it slowly coming back into stores and online shops. Wow, 4 more days till Santa! Woot Woot!

[@Electrotract]

You wont go wrong with Peco- they have insulated gaps in the switch rails as well as a safeguard- go electrofrog

[@DGModelworks]

Hey John, I just fixed my turnouts today. It was quick and easy...look for my 'follow up' video. I didn't go with Peco just because of cost. The ME turnouts are a good value I think and because it was an easy fix, I would buy more of them. Thanks again!! Deryk

[@ericcoodey5091]

Not close to being masterful model builder out of the hobby for a while. Built my switchs (a few) ordered these have not tried them yet but on inspection guard rails too close. Enjoyed your assessment

[@atmocheaptricks]

Thanks for that. none of the older steam locos I had plus old stock new ones I bought and DCC chipped negotiate turn outs without major modification to them one way or another. over the years a lot of mix and match in hindsight I can now only run theses locos on parts of the layout I have not altered or do the modification. the joys of model dcc railways now limited in train choice of what works on my layout. as for the few wren locos I have: nice to look at but not now suitable.

[@johnnyjames7139]

my problem, some 40 year old Atlas metal frog turnouts which were Austrian made. The gauge is narrow thru the diverging path so the wheel sets pick the point of the frog. It is always something to gum up the works.

[@markthornton1965]

Good vid, I am continually amazed at how many blogs are out there on fixing turnouts, regardless of who makes them, surly for the amount the manufactures charge, quality needs to be revisited. they are meant to be ready to run, they may be better calling their products, "ready to repair" as you point out, all the big names have got their problems. I hope you have better luck after the repairs.

[@dacuzzz]

hey Deryk... it really sucks when we spend our hard earned money & get junk in return.. you know from my previous videos, that i have had lots of issues with my atlas code 55 turnouts.. have a great holiday & thanks for sharing vinny

[@DGModelworks]

Yeah Vinny, I agree. You have had your fair share of turnout problems for sure. I have already fixed my issue and it was rather easy. I really like the turnouts except for the minor issue. I will post a 'follow-up' video talking about it. Thanks again for your continued support! Deryk

[@Conraildan]

I had the same bad luck with code 55 n scale track. I collected the track for two years and finally spent another year building a big layout. my disappointment was the wheel flanges were designed for code 80 track. I have since then made a new layout and went back to code 80 for reliability. with a little rust paint it looks realistic.

[@bigdon1a1]

I have seen other people with the same problem they went in and used a rotary tool and open up that space

[@pauldauzart4633]

Nice job Deryk! Atlas lost their track manufacturing facility in China. They haven't made any in almost a year. I'm sure they will start producing again but I haven't heard when that will be. That's why I have very little of their track on my layout.

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks Paul, I knew they moved but I figured they would be caught up by now. I fixed my ME turnouts today. It was quick and easy. I DO like the turnouts, and now that I see it was an easy fix, I would purchase more. Look for my 'follow up' video on it! Deryk

[@brian102256]

Hey, Deryk!! First of all Merry Christmas!! Laying track is demading enough without having to deal with those kinds of issues. I agree with efitter7 and KU4PC that a call or email to ME's customer serice department would be in order. Could be that they had an issue with that particular run of turnouts and they may not (or may) be aware of it. Since you have photo documentation of the problem I would think that they would first be glad to know they had a probelm and secondly would most likely want to "make it right" (Mike Holmes reference) for you. What have you got to loose??

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks Brian, Merry Christmas to you also! I have emailed ME about my issue and also included a picture. I will see what they say. I have already fixed my problem and will post a 'follow-up' video about it. Thanks again for your support! Deryk

[@KU4PC]

Sorry I suggested the turnouts. Don't know if it was a bad batch. I have several ,, no issues. I did have issues with some of my wheelsets. I would contact MIcro Enginenning. Mike

[@DGModelworks]

Hey Mike, it's not your fault at all!! In fact I just fixed the turnouts and it was really easy. I am posting a 'follow up' video about it. I still like the turnouts and would purchase more! Don't beat yourself up! I also emailed ME about it and included a picture. It appears to be a hit or miss problem. Deryk

[@redstorm2003]

Just curious, Are the slots in the NMRA gauge meant to gauge or measures flange width (flange profile)? I am having issues with some rolling stock wheels with KATO Unitrack #4 turnouts (HO Code 83). Some wheels goes OK, other got jammed on the tip of the blade.

[@DGModelworks]

The "points" on the gauge should fit inside the rails.

[@redstorm2003]

@@DGModelworks Thanks.

[@efitter7]

It sucks you are having problems with ME turnouts. I have always thought that they were some of the best. Hopefully you can get this problem resolved soon! I agree with Mike (KU4PC), try giving ME a call and see if you can sort something out. Good luck, and thanks for sharing. Ethan

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks Ethan, I have emailed ME about it and included a picture. I will see what they have to say. I have already fixed the turnouts and will post a 'follow up' video on it! Thanks again for your continued support! Deryk

[@alanhigham6509]

Where can I get this gauge

[@DGModelworks]

midwestmodelrr.com/product/nmra1/ Here is the link.. Use coupon code DGMODELWORKS at checkout to save an additional 5%

[@colnagocowboy]

i want to go with me code 70 ive too many older locomotives to use code 55

[@Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin]

Hey Deryk, Man - what is with the manufacturer's? Someone must have had an off day and let the equipment get out of calibration... something that can affect hours/days/weeks/??? of production until it's caught. (Assuming they check, or care to check.) I appreciate you posting this since ME was high on my list.... not so much now. We should expect the turnouts to function PERFECTLY as much as they cost! It really looks like the only way to get reliable turnouts is to buy the templates & make our own. Most of us seem to end up on the the same video channels so you may have already found Gregg's channel (Fishplate Films). If not he has a two part video specifically addressing turnouts & issues just like this. (He also works on maintaining the real thing & explains how it works for the prototype and compares that to the model turnouts.) Might be a help to countering this as he discusses fixing turnout issues and has some ME switches as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3qrqKWqpp1-n6s Hope that helps.

[@Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin]

About 8:00 into his first video is potential explanation for issue.

[@DGModelworks]

I have actually fixed the issue today. It seems it's a 'hit or miss' problem. But easily fixed. I will post a 'follow up' video explaining it! Thanks again for watching and commenting! Deryk

[@kwesihinton6463]

I’ve had the same problems with those turnouts

[@DGModelworks]

I wonder if they ever fixed that issue. I haven't bought any recently.

[@SeaboardCentral]

Sorry you got a bad batch of turnouts man. I would definitely contact Micro Engineering and let them know about it. They should make it right. I've never purchased any but I have heard PECO turnouts are great. The only thing, they are expensive.

[@DGModelworks]

I just fixed my turnouts today, It was quick and easy and I am uploading a 'follow up' video on it. I also emailed ME about the issue. I will see what they say. I really do like their turnouts, and since it was an easy fix, I would purchase more. I also heard Peco's are good, but they are little more expensive. Deryk

[@davidchristensen6908]

I see you put your cars upside down on foam. That foam really seems pretty aggressive and seems like it would crate scuff marks on the paint or what ever Finnish. I am not a model rail road builder I have other hobbies so I come here to fulfill my model train fix. I am how ever a “ Sewist, embroiderer and I deal with foam and fabrics daily “. I really would recommend placing velvet over the top of that foam before placing your painted model cars and locomotive on it. There are many fabric you could use. You can go to any fabric house and tell them what your doing and they will be happy to show lots of fabric that will work. I won’t name them here just ask and they will be happy to show you.

[@benmack1334]

What turn out is that

[@DGModelworks]

#6 Code 83 Micro Engineering

[@FoamFlyinFool]

As a former employee of micro engineering I can assure you not even I own one piece of micro engineering's products. Not one employee including the owners old/new have a clue about model railroading.

[@DGModelworks]

That's not something I want to hear. Dang!

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Engage Scotty......Glad to see you found the problem and it's not with your locos. Atlas just can't build them that fast to keep up with demand and I've got some in N scale that are junk form them, I just keep returning them till I get a good one. Keep the videos coming. Bob, Longshadowsmodeltrees.com

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks Bob, I am already fixing the turnouts, and all in all, I think they are nice turnouts. I would purchase them again. Thanks for your support! Deryk P.S. Love the Star Trek reference! I am a Trekkie!

[@cprtrain]

ME has terrible Quality Control.