Making points/switches/turnouts move (part 2)

Removing the Spring from Peco Points

Here's the result of the process, just so you know what we are aiming for:

So now for a bit that I am not comfortable with - I have a real dislike of 'bashing' stuff I buy. However, in this case, there is no alternative to get a smooth moving point.

 

Firstly, let's just be sure that we can see the spring. You can see it quite clearly at the bottom of the blades sticking out like a little elbow.

Next, use a jewellers flat head driver to lever up the metal tabs in the large sleeper at the bottom of the point.

Now, turn the point over and flip the metal plate up so it's standing up on it's own.

You can see the spring revealed quite clearly.

Use some bent nosed pliers or tweezers to remove the spring.

There it is! Now close the lifted metal tab, turn the point over and fold the small tabs back to hold it all together.

See how the blades are now sitting comfortably in the middle of teh turnout?

But be careful now as the blades easily slip away from the frog!

Now we are ready to fit the servo motor.