Hipwell Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 Hey guys. Recently converted my layout to DCC using Hornby point clips. I keep getting shorting when going over points into sidings etc.I can see it's because the wheels of the loco are gently touching the opposing rail when approaching the frog. Is there any simple solution to this? My layout is all Hornby set track so using electrofrog points isn't really an option I read about using nail varnish on the points, but I cant work out how far to go down the rail. It mainly happens with my new Hornby j15, but it does also happen occasionally with all my locos even without rolling stock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishmanoz Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 First thing I'd be doing is checking the back-to-back measurements on all loco wheels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hipwell Posted December 19, 2020 Author Share Posted December 19, 2020 First thing I'd be doing is checking the back-to-back measurements on all loco wheels. I have got a back to back gauge on order, however I thought this was only any use for rolling stock? I didn't think you could alter the b2b on the loco? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted December 19, 2020 Share Posted December 19, 2020 Just out of interest, which Loco causes problems.I have been looking closely at my points and I cannot actually imagine how that can happen, unless as Fishy says the back to back is wrong and even then it would have to be a fair way out.An other thing that may cause it is that one of the wipers on the back of a wheel is misplaced? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted December 19, 2020 Share Posted December 19, 2020 Generally changing the B2B on the main drivers is a specialist job requiring shims and possibly a quartering jig, but altering the front bogie settings and if applicable a flanged pony truck (the back one) is not much different to altering a coach or wagon. The other thing to look at is is the front bogie touching any metal parts that are live. I have had valve gear live side to side and when it touched a driver rim it shorted. Replacement valve gear had an insulated bit between the sides to prevent this. Try running the loco in a darkened room and look for sparks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howbi Posted December 19, 2020 Share Posted December 19, 2020 Does this happen on one particular point?..........HB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hipwell Posted December 20, 2020 Author Share Posted December 20, 2020 Seems to happen on a number of points with most locos. I'm wondering if it's because I have quite a few points in quick succession, which I know is not ideal but I've had to be quite adventurous due to limited space I've just bought a back to back gauge whichs appears to be 14.4mm, and a lot of my older Hornby coaches are way less than that but have plastic centre axels and don't seem to be adjustable, so I'm sure that's not going to be helping matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 I don't think it will because you have a few points in quick succession. In one area of my layout I have 7 points, one after the other and I have never had a short. Each set are also fitted with the points clip. Sorry to ask such a silly question but are you sure that you have the points clips fitted in the correct place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 I would be checking the points are dead flat and look at installing an extra track pin in the middle part. You will have to drill a 1.5mm hole for the pin though. Also check the frog is a reasonable shape as some can stand proud and throw a wheel against an opposing live rail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rog RJ Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 @Hipwell "I've just bought a back to back gauge whichs appears to be 14.4mm, and a lot of my older Hornby coaches are way less than that but have plastic centre axels and don't seem to be adjustable, so I'm sure that's not going to be helping matters" Older locos, coaches and wagons with coarse wheels were usually set to 13.9mm. The 14.5mm standard only really applies to modern stock with finer wheels. Old stock with coarse wheels will often give problems when run on modern track which has a lower rail profile and points with narrower flangeways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hipwell Posted December 20, 2020 Author Share Posted December 20, 2020 Cheers guys. Ill look at adding an extra pin on the points. I'll also be ordering a load of new wheels for the rolling stock, my older Hornby teak coaches have the old style wheels so won't be helping The the point clips are definatly in right, I've watched a million videos about them! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scumcat 01 Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 I had this issue with my last layout. set track points are not really built for dcc, as the wheels pass over them they bridge the gap between the positive and negative tracks. The only solution for me was a complete re track of the layout using electro frog points. I am afraid changing wheels etc won't cut it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hipwell Posted December 20, 2020 Author Share Posted December 20, 2020 I had this issue with my last layout. set track points are not really built for dcc, as the wheels pass over them they bridge the gap between the positive and negative tracks. The only solution for me was a complete re track of the layout using electro frog points. I am afraid changing wheels etc won't cut it.This is my worry, but Hornby don't do electrofrog points so I'd have to relay the lot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 I have Hornby points and once installed correctly they give little trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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