Rusty Points Need Patience, Not Force

If a point is stiff, do not force it. Points are delicate, and a heavy hand can bend the blades or damage the mechanism. Start by cleaning gently around the moving parts with a soft brush. Dust, ballast and old scenery glue can hide in the smallest places.

If the rails are dirty, clean the contact areas carefully and test slowly. Watch whether the blade closes fully against the rail. If it leaves a tiny gap, wheels may pick the point and derail. Patience is the tool here, not brute strength.

For more careful layout advice, watch https://www.youtube.com/@petethetrainman and join Pete's Railway Club for £4.99 a month for members-only tips and chats.