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SILKY SMOOTH TRACK AND SWITCH OPERATION
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Everyone has been talking about just the trackage, but eliminating derailments is a three step process. <br />1. Track <br />2. Wheels <br />3. Couplers <br /> <br />Get yourself an NMRA standards guage for the guage you model in and CHECK EVERYTHING! Just because a manufacturer sells something does not always mean that everything is perfect. <br /> <br />On turnouts check the guage all the way through the turnout in both positions, check the frog flangeways for any foreign substance (like a tiny sliver of plastic) and also depth. <br /> <br />On wheels check EVERY wheelset for proper guage. My Walthers SW-1 had every driver set gauged too wide. Even if you use quality metal wheelsets, check them with the NMRA guage before placing a car in service. <br /> <br />On couplers, if you use horn hooks, invest in a type that does not apply sideways pressure. I prefer Kadees but there are other manufacturers who are making couplers similar. And check the pin clearance above the rails. <br /> <br />If you use this 1-2-3 check system all derailments will dissappear unless you have a mechanical failure (like a part falling off) or if you have serious dips or kinks in your track. <br /> <br />Keep it fun. Derailments are not fun. <br /> <br />Bill
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