One of my engines is an Accucraft electric C&S #60 Consolidation. I use Accucraft flex track and #6 turnouts. My problem is that #60 will not stay on the track! The lead truck won't go thru the turnout from the points end of the switch without jumping the track. Has anyone else had this problem?
Had the same problem with my "Annie", I added 3/4 oz of fishing weights to the front wheel set. Problem gone.
Tom Trigg
I intended to say that I use Aristo-Craft track and switches, but your suggestion sounds good and I will try it!
I had a similar problem with an AML (by Accucraft) Pacific.
What I found is that the locomotive was much more sensitive to track irregularities than Aristo, Bachmann, etc. locos.
One large difference is that the up - down movement range of the front truck was nowhere near as much. So humps and dips in my track showed up.
Another problem I found was that the pilot truck had a lot of friction side to side, and I cured that with some smoothing and lubrication.
There were a number of additional factors, so you might visit my site under "motive power", then AML, and then the K4 Pacific section.
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
The first thing that comes to mind is to check the gauge of the front pilot truck. Look at the back-to-back spacing. It should be right around 40mm (1.575"). If it's too wide, it may be forcing the flanges over towards the point more than usual. Many switch points have a bit of a step where they meet the stock rail, and often that's enough to catch the flange. If the gauge is wide, the wheel will ride up and over the point instead of bouncing to the side. You can also file a slight taper on the end of the point to mitigate this as well.
Later,
K
Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month