February 1, 2025
Track had already been tested with a consolidation before painting, but decided to retest with the longest wheelbase locos I had. Track in the main Gerber yard had #5 switches so tested with a 2-8-2 that had a very fussy tender that did not want to follow. Also bit the bullet and purchased a 6 truck diesel to pull track cleaning cars but also used it for testing. It did not like the #5’s just like the 2-10-2’s. Both locos were happy on the main line with #6’s and #8’s.
Most adjustments in the Fast Tracks constructed switches occurred in the frog area. Sometimes frog was a little narrow or not in perfect alignment with the point rails. Running a file through that area fixed the problem. Fast Tracks must be aware of the need because they even sell a small triangular file in case you couldn’t get the flat file through.
In a couple of instances, the outside rail opposite rail from the frog had to be move outward just a hair along with the guard rail. This occurred mainly on the curved side of the switch.
John Garfield had come over again and in a few hours everything in Gerber Yard operated perfectly. Will continue with the rest to the town sites.
