I'm having a derailment problem with my Peco code 100 insulfrog medium curve switches. The train wheels are hitting the frog alignment guides. It seams that the tolerance are to tight for the wheels to go through. Is there a fix for this?
to the forum. Your posts are delayed in moderation only for a short while.
Not the Peco expert but it also could be the wheels are too wide. A NMRA track gauge would tell the story.
Is it all the rail cars on all the turnouts or just some cars on some turnouts. Atlas has had turnouts where the area below the frog and guard rail is too shallow, causing bouncing and or derailments.
If it is the guard rails judicious use of a needle file will be necessary.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I won't claim to be a Peco expert, but the code 100 medium radius insulfrogs are basically all I have on my layout (45 of them) with the exception of a single 3 way. I can't blame a single derailement on any of them yet and the layout has been operational for about 6 years. Obviously your experience is different, so hopefully the gang can help find the cause(s).
Are you experiencing derailments at one location, or all around the layout? Only on right hand (or left hand) turnouts? While going straight, diverging, both? Only while coming through from the point end of the turnout, or both directions? Specific equipment, such as 6 axled passenger cars, or 85' boxcars? If at a singular location, take a look at the rails leading to the problem turnout. The derailment could be beginning nearby but only coming apparent at the switch. Perhaps a rail is sitting on top of a joiner rather than in it. Is the switch part of a sneaky S curve?
I'll lay off the questions for now and give you some time to respond. Remember you are moderated right now, so it could take a day or two to have your responses posted. Hang in there.
Mike
Rule #1- Always check the gauges of all axles if you experience derailments over a turnout. Turnouts are quality items, at least their gauge is pretty firmly established across the industry. The points rails are another matter.
Rule #2 - Peco Code 100 turnouts give some people fits, and the culprit, IF the axle gauges all check out, is likely to be the gap between the guards and the frog point. Sliding an NMRA scale-correct gauge that is in good condition through the guards at the frog will show if the gap is too wide. You should not be able to slide those nubs sideways and make a detectable click.
The cure is to glue thin styrene adjusting plates to the insides of one or both guards, say 15-thou thickness.
Rule #3 - It could still be the locomotive. Or, the locomotive is the wrong model to attempt to send through that geometry of turnout. Get a smaller framed locomotive, or get a frog number turnout one higher than what you are using...or more.
selectorRule #2 - Peco Code 100 turnouts give some people fits
I haven't heard that about Peco code 100 turnouts; pretty much all good feedback. I've got a bunch of new Peco code 100 large turnouts in staging so hopefully they won't give me fits.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Bob Slagle I'm having a derailment problem with my Peco code 100 insulfrog medium curve switches. The train wheels are hitting the frog alignment guides. It seams that the tolerance are to tight for the wheels to go through. Is there a fix for this?
Hi, I have been a long-time user of PECO SL-100, Track and Points (Turnouts) The Back to Back dimension of your Wheels, should be as shown.
http://www.doubleogauge.com/standards/commercialwheels.htm
Likewise the Tread (Gauge) Profile. If they are greater or less than this, the Wheels will foul the Frog/Guard Rails/Wing Rails.
The Fix for this is to replace any offending Wheels with modern Wheelsets. PECO Points are very accomodating for all brands of Model Railway gear (certainly UK & European) and I am suprised that you are experiencing problems. Welcome to the Forum. Paul
"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".