Rerailer

[Boonter]

I've seen a couple of references to a RERAILER Just what the heck is it, and how does it work ?
It SOUNDS LIKE a devise to put cars, or engines back on the track. Is that correct ?[:I]

[lionelsoni]

For prototype trains, it is a small ramp to be attached to the rail so that a derailed car can be pulled up and onto the rail. For models, it is a section of track that guides a derailed car back onto the rails as it travels through the section.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Technically, we don't have "rerailers" in 3 rail. In HO, N, and even American Flyer, there is a special section that looks like a little grade crossing. At both ends there is a funnel like path molded into the plastic. This can grab the flange of a derailed wheel set and pull it back onto the track.

When Lionel came out with it's Fastrack, they brought out a "railer". The main difference being that it needs to be taken off the track for normal operation.

[Anonymous]

Lionel offers one marked for use on Fastrack, but alleged to work on all Lionel O and O-27 track. It is plastic, which means it can be used with Locomotives equipped with Magnetraction. It lists for about $6 bucks.

The version to which I refer is not a piece of track, but rather sits on top of the track as you assemble a train. When you get the "consist" the way you like it, you set the rerailer aside, couple the cars together, and run the train.

The Lionel re-railer works pretty well with lightweight cars and locos. I have yet to see any product that will easily get a 2332 GG1 or other heavy, multiwheel loco on track.

Think of it as a "flat funnel." It's wider at one end than at the other. You start a car at the wide end and as you push it toward the narrow end the "funneling" action straightens the wheels, aligns them with the track, and onto the rails it rolls. They can assist children (and even us old geezers) who have trouble getting cars lined up on the track.

Addendum: the Lionel product is called a "Fastrack Railer," Catalog number 6-12039, current list price $6.99. Hope this is what you meant.

wolverine

[Boonter]

Thanks all! That tells me what I wanted to know. I definitly fall into the "OLD GEEZER" catagory. Add to that 'half blind with square fingers' and you can understand my interest.
BEST OF HOLLIDAYS TO ALL....