Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

back on track

1183 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: MA
  • 52 posts
Posted by sully57 on Sunday, February 8, 2004 10:44 AM
thank you guys. I will try suggestions. As far as adding weight to the truck though, the piece is a loco, and has considerable weight to begin with (relatively speaking). But thanks again for the suggestion! -Sully
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Ozark Mountains
  • 1,167 posts
Posted by dragenrider on Saturday, February 7, 2004 10:21 PM
You might also glue a small weight to the top of the truck or under the shell. That'll increase the downward pressure on the flanges.

The Cedar Branch & Western--The Hillbilly Line!

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Saturday, February 7, 2004 9:17 AM
Use a small level to check for a dip or hump in one rail at the approach to that curve. I had a similar problem on an HO-scale club layout with an Athearn Genesis SD-70. As the loco entered a particular curve, it always derailed when going forward, but never derailed, on the same curve, going in the same direction, running in reverse. The problem turned out to be a slight dip in the track that allowed the front truck, which was stiffer than the rear truck, to climb over the top of the rail as it entered the curve. Shimming the track to insure that it was absolutely level solved the problem. A slight rise in one rail could also cause a similar problem. If you don't have a small string level, try holding a popsicle stick or similar wood or metal piece lengthwise on the rail and check for evidence of a dip or hump as you move the stick along the track.
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Midtown Sacramento
  • 3,340 posts
Posted by Jetrock on Saturday, February 7, 2004 3:02 AM
Your finger is a good gauge of small nicks or bumps in the track that your eye can miss--try running your finger along the inside of the rail and feel for any protrusions.

You also might check and see if the trucks on the engine have any problem turning--if they are getting hung up on something they might be the source of the problem. Look for wires, plastic flash or other obstruction preventing free movement.
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: MA
  • 52 posts
back on track
Posted by sully57 on Friday, February 6, 2004 10:33 PM
Simple problem, or so it seems. Have a new HO diesel engine (collector's Red Sox). Nice piece. Also, I am setting up my first layout. Now, on one area of track, where a curve begins (18"), the front truck of this diesel consistently jumps off track. To troubleshoot, I made certain rails were smooth, no burs. The truck itself seems to be free of obstruction (that is it moves freely). The same type of track on other end of layout, the engine has no problem. It has me baffled. The track is cemented down, however, I guess the next move might be to replace that section (that will be a chore). My other diesel, seems to move through this area with no hesitation whatsoever. This fact makes me question the wisdom of tearing up a section of track. And I would venture to say that both diesels are almost identical in style, weight, etc. Any vets out there with things I should check for? Thx!

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!