Lionel 30k tank cars derailing

[bobcatw]

I recently purchased several Lionel 30k tank cars.  These seem to be prone to derailing when run through a Ross 100 switch.  Loosening the truck screw gives improvement but not a complete cure.

Has anyone had this experience and knows a cure?

Bob

[servoguy]

I have had post war cars ride up on the frog of 022 switches.  Problem was the wheel gauge was too wide.  Fix was to bend the truck frames so that the axle end play was zero.  You can also have a problem if the inside of the wheels are worn where they ride against the stop on the axle.

Make sure the wheels are well oiled and that the bolster is also oiled and swivels freely.

BTW, you might specify what 30k tank cars are.

[Rob412]

Saw a review on you tube of these cars and he had the same problem. They would derail on an atlas #5 switch. Apparently the wheels are almost flat instead of angled search "lionel 30000 gal tank cars" so your not alone. I was thinking about getting some of these at York if I saw them but I might be reconsidering if they don't track well. Sorry but I don't know how to post links to you tube.

[servoguy]

Tank car review on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMK9qfQLga4

[Rob412]

That's it thanks servo!

[lionelsoni]

Those wheels appear to have the same profile as pre-modern Lionel wheels.  That shouldn't be a problem, unless they are not free to turn on the axles.  Is that perhaps the case with these cars?

[Rob412]

Could be that they are light weight. Maybe some ballast would help.

[bobcatw]

Thanks for the input

Bob

[bobcatw]

That is an option I will consider

Bob

[bobcatw]

The wheels are free to move and appear to have the correct gauge.  The length of the cars may be an issue.  Loosening the truck screw helps but it ia  ot a 100% cure.

Bob

[bobcatw]

30000 gallon ethanol cars.  About 15 inches long

Bob