FROZEN POINTS

[Clive]

[BLOCKQUOTE] I know, it happens on Network Rail, but they can get out their blow torches and unfreeze their points. I am getting severe withdrawal symptoms from not being able to operate due to frozen points. All my passing loops are spring loaded! Antifreeze clogs up the points with slush then re-freezes, WD40 has no effect. Any proven suggestions please from anyone. Thank you in advance. Someone is always there ready to pass on their advice. Wonderful.
[/BLOCKQUOTE]

 

[Neil Robinson]

Warm water works for me provided it can drain away before it re-freezes.

 

[CoggesRailway]

warm water, get them set to give you the path you want and let them freeze back - you can at least run something. I read an article in garden rail about a mat that goes under the points and keeps them above freezing, running off track power! I guess worthwhile if you live in colarado...

 

[Wobbleboxer]

I would guess that to work best they need to be dry (no moisture to freeze) so a hairdryer is probably the best bet.

Keeping them dry is another matter, an old tile or similar maybe. If you can keep the worst of any new snow off, a quick whizz over with the dryer should get you going in no time.

 

[MRail]

Same problem on the MR.
-11ºC here.
I'm staying indoors!

 

[Nemo]

Put kettle on, make yourself a brew, add a bit of cold water to kettle (so that waters not at boiling temp) pour on points blades, enjoy tea............

 

[dutchelm]

I always leave points set for the main line. If they are sprung, reset them to the main line. Any force used when defrosting them can cause damage.

 

[Woderwick]

Hair drier, it wont refreeze then. Hopefully

 

[bobg]

Hair drier, it wont refreeze then. Hopefully

Probably need an electric paint stipper here, it's so ch-ch-chilly.

 

[nicebutdim]

Try not to use anti freeze, some types can be quite corrosive to plastics, as can WD40. The hairdryer method is one of the best, but get your own, swmbo will not be happy to see you with her dryer in the garden. Also, try a tiny amount of vaseline on the blades, I put it around the door rubbers on the car so the doors don't freeze shut in the winter.

 

[Shawn]

I dont run siding etc... during the winter. I just have everything set for the main line. That way I dont have to worry about frozen switches. Any ice that gets into the frogs I just use my warm breath and blow on them.

 

[Woderwick]

Lucky frogs, Sacre Bleu

 

[Round n Round]

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[hagen]

Warm water will quickly get you in trouble as ice=frozen water and adding more water you tend to end up with more ice.
If you have to use water have it in a plastic bag so that the heating effect is still there, but the rails remain dry.

 

[bobg]

That sounds an excellent idea!!!

Ideal if you are a long distance from an electric socket point.

A hot water bottle would do the job just as well.
Edit:-I would have labelled this as "Helpful" but there is no button on this thread, does anyone know why???

 

[whatlep]

Edit:-I would have labelled this as "Helpful" but there is no button on this thread, does anyone know why???

Every posting I can see has a "mark post as helpful" option underneath it. Anyhow, I've marked Rune's post as helpful for you.

The hot water bottle idea is very neat. Ta muchly!

 

[bobg]

Edit:-I would have labelled this as "Helpful" but there is no button on this thread, does anyone know why???

Every posting I can see has a "mark post as helpful" option underneath it. Anyhow, I've marked Rune's post as helpful for you.

The hot water bottle idea is very neat. Ta muchly!

Ta muchly also. I'm showing no "Helpful" buttons on any posts of this thread. Odd!!!

Not the first time I've come across that though.

 

[Madman]

I hate the cold weather:thumbdown:

 

[Richie]

In the Garden Railways Magazine last year they did a review on a heated pad that slides under the point and is powered from the track can't remember the make .

 

[Neil Robinson]

Edit:-I would have labelled this as "Helpful" but there is no button on this thread, does anyone know why???

Every posting I can see has a "mark post as helpful" option underneath it. Anyhow, I've marked Rune's post as helpful for you.

The hot water bottle idea is very neat. Ta muchly!

Ta muchly also. I'm showing no "Helpful" buttons on any posts of this thread. Odd!!!

Not the first time I've come across that though.

I've never seen a helpful button either, but Whatlep's view of the forum, as a moderator would be different to the members'.