IS THIS NORMAL

[JeremyB]

Hi Everybody

I use the Bachmann E-Z Track and I noticed that locomotives sometimes wobble when going over the frog Is this normal?also If i have to replace the turnout how would I do this as the track is spiked in place ?

Thanks

jeremy

[JeremyB]

Hi Everybody

I use the Bachmann E-Z Track and I noticed that locomotives sometimes wobble when going over the frog Is this normal?also If i have to replace the turnout how would I do this as the track is spiked in place ?

Thanks

jeremy

[wrobwrob]

It is possible the turnout is OK and that the problem is with your equipment. This may be the case if some models always wobble and others are OK.

The problem may be the gauge of one or more wheelsets. If the wheels are too close they will appear to jump slightly when passing through the frog area. Check and adjust the wheels, if necessary. This may solve your problem.

[wrobwrob]

It is possible the turnout is OK and that the problem is with your equipment. This may be the case if some models always wobble and others are OK.

The problem may be the gauge of one or more wheelsets. If the wheels are too close they will appear to jump slightly when passing through the frog area. Check and adjust the wheels, if necessary. This may solve your problem.

[Puckdropper]

A NMRA standards gauge comes with instructions for testing the wheel sets and turn outs... It's worth the investment.

If the turnout pad is the same height as regular cork roadbed, you could just substitute that and put a good turn out on there. Only possible problem is you may be relying on rail joiners only to get power to the rails.

[Puckdropper]

A NMRA standards gauge comes with instructions for testing the wheel sets and turn outs... It's worth the investment.

If the turnout pad is the same height as regular cork roadbed, you could just substitute that and put a good turn out on there. Only possible problem is you may be relying on rail joiners only to get power to the rails.

[Wdlgln005]

You also may want to check the turnout to be sure it is clean and the wheels don't catch on some little burr. Run your finger along the top of the rail to be sure everything is smooth & the turnout operates properly. Then run the train back & forth in both directions and see if it has some pattern.

[Wdlgln005]

You also may want to check the turnout to be sure it is clean and the wheels don't catch on some little burr. Run your finger along the top of the rail to be sure everything is smooth & the turnout operates properly. Then run the train back & forth in both directions and see if it has some pattern.

[n2mopac]

I often find with commercial turnouts that I have to file the top of the points to make them flush with the rail. I have see this problem be so bad as to cause consistent derailments until filed. If you have some needle files, this problem is easy to fix. Be careful, however, to file the rails smoothly across the top. If you get an angle on your file and cut a groove in the top of the railhead you will have a more serious problem.
Ron

[n2mopac]

I often find with commercial turnouts that I have to file the top of the points to make them flush with the rail. I have see this problem be so bad as to cause consistent derailments until filed. If you have some needle files, this problem is easy to fix. Be careful, however, to file the rails smoothly across the top. If you get an angle on your file and cut a groove in the top of the railhead you will have a more serious problem.
Ron

[cacole]

I don't have any experience with the Bachmann turnouts you mention but I have had this problem with Atlas. What type of locomotives are you running -- Diesel, steam, or both? On Atlas turnouts the problem was caused by the wheels dropping down into the frog because Atlas leaves too much of a gap within the frog. This was most noticeable on short wheelbase steam locos -- 0-4-0, 0-6-0, etc., not ones longer than a Consolidation. The only solution I found was to use Peco or a similar, higher quality turnout.

[cacole]

I don't have any experience with the Bachmann turnouts you mention but I have had this problem with Atlas. What type of locomotives are you running -- Diesel, steam, or both? On Atlas turnouts the problem was caused by the wheels dropping down into the frog because Atlas leaves too much of a gap within the frog. This was most noticeable on short wheelbase steam locos -- 0-4-0, 0-6-0, etc., not ones longer than a Consolidation. The only solution I found was to use Peco or a similar, higher quality turnout.