I am newbie and finally got my engine to run all the way around the track. My problem now is keeping the lighter weight boxcars attached to the engine. Everytime the engine passes over a gap in the track it pounces and the boxcars dissconnect from the heavier engine. The gaps change with the weather I live in the desert and right now it is in the 20's at night and 60-70 in the day so expansion is commonplace. Any suggestion, ideas or help of any kind would be appreciated.
Rail clamps like Split Jaws or Hillmans will help. If you have long straight sections, Split Jaw make an expanding track section to help compensate for expansion.
If you do not have metal wheels on your rolling stock, I would suggest you install them. I use Al Kramer's who sells them on eBay under seller name "ana.kramer". They are heavy brass with stainless axles. Many also use Bachmann metal wheels but they are lighter in weight.
You could also try adding weight to the lead boxcar to help keep it on the tracks.
-Brian
Like you, I live in the Eastern Sierra Nevada on the edge of the Great Basin; 50 degree temperature swings in a day aren’t unusual. I use Aristo and USA track which have screw connections similar to clamps. I also use steel wheels (USA) and Kadee couplers on all my rolling stock. I avoid long straight-aways; curves will absorb track expansion and contraction. Another solution for a light car is put a rock or two in it; I've got plenty.
Hope this helps, Rob
Gaps in the rail will cause rail misalignment. Misaligned rails will cause derailment. Close those gaps with clamps as mentioned above by Brian. Loose gaps in the rails will also lead to electrical gaps if you are using rail power. Like Rob said, most of us use curves to handle rail expansion. I experience the same temperature deviation you do, I have solid joints in my rails, and I have just over 400 feet of rail on the ground and do not have any problems with expansion.
Tom Trigg
You would have to have pretty big gaps to make things derail. I assume this is not on straight track.
How big are these gaps?
Are they right before or after a crurve or switch?
Regards, Greg
Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.
Click here for Greg's web site
You also need to look at the couplers themselves. What kind are you using? So far in my experiences the Kadees seem to be beat everyone, even Hook and Loop. Bachmans are not too bad, but LGB knuckles are the worst.
See you at Fairplex. 5 years and going strong!
SUCCESS!! I finally got the Mojave Oasis Railroad to run without derailing or coming uncoupled. Thank you to all with the great advice. Now that I have the practice layout running it is time to start the real thing. I have a full half acre lot plus my yard to create in. JIM
Congrats! You should put up some pictures so we can see it.
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