Bruce gets them from Bertram Heynmike said:i got mine, from a rather delightfull fellow, brusce.. who gets them from germany..
minimans said:I would agree Tim that some preparation would be necessary for any electrical device left permanently in the weather. But I think that particular fault is a poor mechanical joint which caused an added resistance hence the high current draw and burning I doubt very much a loco simply traversing the point did that..........................
Tim Brien said:If one actually read my original posting then I actually stated in the fourth paragraph, quote: "Similarly, a check tighten of electrical contact mount screws is also in order". High resistence across the electrical connection may be due loose electrical fittings. As I stated, a simple check of these connections for security may alleviate a problem in the future. I believe that if a connection is subject to high current draw then the operator is inputting high power potential to the rails to run high amperage draw equipment. Piko points are purchased because they are CHEAP/inexpensive. You get what you pay for.
I also stated that an item subject to carrying high currents should be designed for the task (actually read my original posting). The Piko point obviously has issues, that is not in dispute (also in my original posting). The purpose of my posting was that operators take no preinstallation preparation and still expect the item to perform at peak performance. If one has the time to remove a defective item (due haste in installation) and has time to post their findings on a forum, then they have the few minutes it takes to prepare the point prior installation.
mike said:yes they are gary. and no i carnt get the buggers out, if i try the heads start to twist.. but the thread dosnt move
I agree almost 100% Mike except for the car reference, you don't have to service it because the dealer did it for you! PDI (Pre-delivery inspection) We have to do it coz they can't do it right at the factory!!mike said:why? i ve got a band new car.. do i need to get it serviced 1st? no.. so why points?
i have a brand new loco, do i need to service it 1st?? no...
new telly?
its not simplly a case off tighting the screws up:wits::wits::wits:
the screws are TOO LONG for the holes they are in.. they are allready breaking through the rail.. so SIMPLY tighting them in, will lead to them busting through the rail.. off course, i bow to the experts who havent got these troubling points..
what would i know
Tim Brien said:The photograph above highlights my previous comment on preparation prior to installing points. The wire gauge used by the manufacturer is obviously suited to the purpose that it was no doubt designed for, i.e., replacement for LGB items. A current draw that fuses wire of that gauge is outside the design limitations of the manufacturer. As a LGB 'replacement' then anticipated current draw would be a nominal 2 amps, with a 3 amp maximum. To fuse this wire then current draw was much higher than manufacturer designed intentions.
Is this a 'design' flaw or 'misuse' of the product. I have been running trains for many years and have never seen a fused wire, but then I specifically do not run high amperage draw locomotives. If I did then I would upgrade all the wire specs on my railroad, including point wiring. As stated in an earlier posting, 'ready to run' does not really mean ready to run.