N-scale switch trouble

[Anonymous]

I am new to model railroading; my sons and I bought a Bachmann N-scale kit with the EZ track, and recently added a turnout. The Bachmann engine makes it through the switch without any problem, but a Life-Like engine derails each time when the points are thrown to go onto the branch. Any ideas to fix this, or shouldn't different equipment brands be mixed? Also, if we get more involved with this hobby, what brands of equipment and track should we consider? Thanks.

Greg, Cleveland

[douginut]

Years ago there was an article in MR detailing how to "tune up" Atlas N-Scale switches (which were once, long ago notorious for such problems as you have). When tuned up as they recommend will be absolutely reliable and a joy to use.

Doug, in Utah

[snowey]

about your second question, you should consider buying PECO ,& ATLAS track and switches, they have a exellent and well-deserved reputation! Also, MICRO-TRAINS rolling stock (cars) and locomotives. But, if you do decide to get more involved, buy some of the EXELLENT how-to books on model railroading from KALMBACH. They'availibile both online, through a number of dealers, or from their website at WWW.KALMBACH.COM/BOOKS or at your L.H.S. (Local Hobby Shop). Also, they'res a lot of great model railroading web sites, this is one, and another one is WWW.ATLASRR.COM Also, the N.M.R.A. has a site at WWW.NMRA.ORG that is also good. They have a special section for beginners that is REALLY HELPFUL. If you do decide to stay with it, good luck!

[raysaron]

If the LifeLike engine is giving problems, start with that. Try various speeds/durections and look really closely at what is happening (is a wheel lifting?, is something catching--like a coupler?)
I'd check those things first, before fine tuning a switch (really a turnout, not to be confused with an electrical switch). An option is borrowing a library book. Good Luck. Ray

[Anonymous]

Hi Greg

my name is Larry one of the first thing you want to do is get an NMRA gauge and check the track with it as it has track wheels turnouts and points gauges to see if eveything is in gauge according to NMRA specs if it is not even a tiny bit out of line could case alot of trouble for
you it has to be dang near perfect to run smoothly you can get this gauge at any good hooby shop and it is highly recommended now as how to fix the problem what i do is take a small needle file and sharpen the points where they contact the stock rail as factory turnouts are a bit blunt also i check my wheel gauge on locomotive to see if it may be a bit wide or narrow as the case may be
now then it doesnt matter what kind of rolling stock you buy as it is all compatible with each other but some of us tend to stay with known quality such as ATLAS or Roundhouse both are good quality products STAY AWAY from BACHMANN as it is total junk LIFE LIKE i do not know much other than it was junk when i started 12 yra ago all my stuff is ATLAS or KATO when it comes to locomotives sure they cost aroud 80 bucks or so but it is the price you pay for good quality products remember you get what you pay for!!1
as for equipment i would stay with atlas as all my stuff is of thier line and not a bit of trouble with it

good luck

i hope this helps ya

LARRY

[Anonymous]

Life Like engines are very good now. I have several and all run fine. I have one Atlas late model engine but I like the Life Like better. Most of my trouble has been Atlas turnouts. One shouldn't have to tuneup a turnout one pays good money for - it should be done right at the factory. The best turnout I can find is the Peco electrofrog, but they're harder to install automatics on. Good luck all! Ole Greenriver