Derailments, how many do you have??

[Anonymous]

none, since i removed all the switches.

[nsfantodd]

If I have a derailment 99% of the time it is due to operator error. Running through a thrown switch, etc. I once went out to eat and left a 35 car train running, did'nt actually remember until I saw the lights were still on in the train room, about 3.5 hours later. I actually usually let a train run pretty much anytime I'm in the train room. I could look up from my workbench and watch the train go by.

Todd Templeton

[selector]

I had not thought to ask what radius you are using in your curves (D'ohhhh!) If they are less than 22", I would have to guess that there-in lies your difficulty. Manufacturers will make claims that the loco will take 18" minimums, but I have learned to cast a jaundiced eye at them.

Then again, that front truck is perhaps binding. Have you ever removed it? It could be that you reversed the order of assemby of the fastening mechanism...as in, putting the washer against the spring, and not against the slide-gap of the truck, right under the screw. Maybe there IS no spring...by design or by your forgetting to re-install it. Add one, a very light ball-point pen type cut to size. If it already has a leaf-type spring, maybe it needs to be pried out to acquire more resistance. Yet again, maybe you did that and over did it. Now it is too strong a spring.

Lots to consider, but check that track first.

[Anonymous]

Crandell,

Thanks for the reply !! It derails in the curve and also sometimes in the straight track.
There are 4 small wheels in front in Bachman Spectrum J 4-8-4 and it keeps running out of tracks. Please let me know if it is a normal problem with steam engines.

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by loathar
Even though I went out and bought a coupler gauge. Took a day and went through all my cars and locos and set everything. Works fine for a day or two and then it seems like the couplers start sagging and causing problems. KD and McHenry. I'm almost ready to cut those friggin trip pins off! I'm not going to use uncouplers or run my stuff on club layouts. Any thoughts?

Loathar:

My thought's: SOMETHING ISN'T ADDING UP.

You "bought a coupler gauge". It should be telling you something:
1. You have too many Athearn car's - they're almost always too low. (Add KD washers).
2. Your molded-on coupler boxes are too roomy. (Use KD boxes).
3. "Sag"? Your installation is faulty. (KD 'shim's might be your answer).
4. Your coupler's are to long, or too cheap (or both).

The KD Coupler gage isn't working. Why? (Only you can correct).
Get your eye down at track level.

[trainboyH16-44]

Question: I have a lot of derailments on my Peco switches. Why do you think this happens?
Matthew

[Anonymous]

A few happen.

[Don Gibson]

99% DERAILMENT'S generally happen @ turnout's since there is a break in continuity. Check the wheelgauge; then replace the turnout.

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

I have a few derailments. Almost always though, it is because the EZ Track turnout doesn't completely open against the rail .... I'm realtively sure that something has gotten under the throw bar and is creating friction.

''Open", or 'Close' against the rail?
What switch machine are you using?

Simplist solution: Replace the turnout with a better one.

[Marty Cozad]

If you think your a great track layer, come try it in the great outdoors.
1500 ft of brass rail has to move somewhere when it goes from 70 degrees to 105 in an afternoon.
I used to pride myself on laying rail and even building switches but man, ol mother nature will put you to the test.[:(][^]


south end

MLS Canyon bring to the left is 25' 8" long.
Thats alos why i love winter. Cool rail runs great[;)]

[railroadyoshi]

After ironing out the messed up parts in my absolutley terrible trackwork, I only get derailments from low trip pins

[1train1]

I have a few every once in a while - I'm not ashamed - it's the "track god's"' will.

[selector]

Ra19, does it derail at random, or only at one or two locations...maybe at turnouts? On one curve?

Chances are that your track is not level between adjoining pieces, particularly at curves. If you take a straightedge, about 15" long, and lay it atop the tracks, you will liely find that their is an unintended grade change at a join. If this happens on a curve or at a switch, steamers will let you know.

Also, if it happens approaching the points of a switch, the loco is probably "picking" the points. Place a short piece of bamboo bar-b-que skewer between the outside rail and the point, and then take a small file and file the point to needle thinness. Also, make sure the side of the point that abutts with the outside rail is flush with that outside rail surface. In other words, ensure that the track is in gauge all the way through the points.

[Anonymous]

I have Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-4 J class steam engine. It always derails.
I am using 24" Atlas HO code 83 . I did not run even once without derailment.

I have Atlas Deisel Engines and they never derail.

Please suggest.

[ATSFCLIFF]

Used to have quite frequent derailments due to bad couplers. Now, almost zero ever since I converted the couplers of my engines and rolling stock to MicroTrains knuckle couplers.
Most tend to think that trackwork is the main culprit for derailments which is not always so. Look at out of guage wheels, coupling, trip pins, unweighted cars etc

Cliff

[trainfreek92]

nice story about "old 97"[^] I am hoping on my N scale layout i will have hardly any derailments![8D] Tim

[RMax1]

Very rarely have any. I do have 2 or 3 Athearn RTR cars that won't stay on the trak even if it was a 6 inch deep trench. There is something weird about them and I haven't taken the time to look. Thought it was the wheels but not so sure. Everything else is fine. I run mostly at slow speed and my track is in good shape. I repair quickly when there becomes a problem. I do get a little shift due to climate control but I run my trains on the 2 loops for hours at a time with no problems. The yard and spurs not as much but about the same.

RMax1

[icmr]

I have had one on my layout. Low trip pin. Bent it up and now it works fine.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[tstage]

The only time I have a derailment is when I forget to throw a turnout the right direction when my 2-8-2 Mike is running. In those cases derailment = 100% operator error. [D)] In the 1-1/2 years of operating my layout, my two diesels switchers have NEVER derailed. I can only attribute it to initially taking great pains to make sure my track was laid straight and flat.

Tom

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ac4400fan

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

I Never Ever have derailments on the Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western! That is unless a friend comes over and wants to see the layout run. Then they happen constantly.

Now Isnt that the truth LoL..But I seldome do Not have any problems. If i do i always find the cause and take care of it right away otherwise i can run trains for 24 hrs if i wanted without a problem.
Carl..

Yep, it never fails to amaze me that the whole thing works like a top until a "guest" enters the matrix.

The number of derailments, on the MESS, are way down and I attribute this to my 4R plan ( "Rage, Rip, Reallign, Replace" ). Track work has to be second to none to prevent derailments and on average I'm hauling 30 cars up and down 5%+ inclines. I've also had to install several guard rails.

Fergie

[dragonriversteel]

Hello all,

Remember the seven P's and you won't have track problems. Just a freindly reminder from your pal.......Mr Track Gremlin.


Prior, previous, planning , prevents, **** , poor, preformance !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

When I started out I had several. As I have become more experienced, they have become fewer and farther between. Now I will go back and rework a section if I have problems with it. The main cause of derailments now are trip pins that are too low. Usually this happens on only brand new equipment. All the others have been fixed. I don't agree with the point of the first post. It is kind of like saying that you shouldn't get into the water until you are a proficient swimmer. That is not the way learning works. Although you and I don't remember it, learning to walk was not easy. How are you to develop your skills without first jumping into the water?

[Anonymous]

I have one sticky point, sometimes i have no trouble for days then as im swithitching ........I'll replace it one day....

[Anonymous]

aw well, I run on a tight budget, so if I said non, it would seem I'm lying, so, yes, I currently have 2 devils hidden, on under a switch, the other on a curve, but i think that is because the track is expanding again cause its been 31 degrees celcius here, compared to 5 a few weeks ago! And that's in the house!!! lol, I still have all my fingers, no frostbite yet! What is the best way to keep dirt from sticking to the loco's wheels? I found this arvo my atlas gp40 had a mole hill stuck to its wheels, runs a bit better now!

[loathar]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Davidvd59

Usually now my derailments come from a switch I forgot to throw back, but when I was using the bachmann EZ track I had them continually, I am shocked how track I hand laid works better, I think I didn't do the best job hand laying it either and I still have better results over the ez track! (not much talent here)

That's a VERY interesting reply. I would have thought the EZ track would be way more forgiving. I would love to hand lay but the personal skill level ain't there. I have tried the Central Valley product which is a semi-hand product that looks great and is in my skill level but I had problems with derailments at the frogs.I would have expected problems at the switch points but they where fine. CVMW.com said most folks don't have problems with the frogs and recomended another companies cast frogs to solve the problem. Problem is... $14 switch kit plus $13 frog plus $14 switch machine equals WAY more than I want to spend per switch. Got any tips to help out with the frogs?

[Anonymous]

Usually now my derailments come from a switch I forgot to throw back, but when I was using the bachmann EZ track I had them continually, I am shocked how track I hand laid works better, I think I didn't do the best job hand laying it either and I still have better results over the ez track! (not much talent here)

[Anonymous]

I rarely have derailments except when I pull freight cars with my Life Like GP40PH ,when it takes off it jerks and runs too fast even at its slowest speed. it stops in a fraction of a second and 95% of the time it throws cars off the track.

[selector]

I, too, "adjust" my trip pins...hee, hee. What do you want, factory set pins or cars that run through your frogs and crossings?

[Anonymous]

Very seldom, and then it's usually a car on it's first run. Almost always the problem can be traced to wheels or couplers, and I have a few "bad actors" that always seem to cause problems, no matter how much I adjust and fiddle with them. But I've pretty much eliminated all of the track-related derailments....and just like the prototype, grade crossings are a major cause of things going off the track. Then there's always the occasional cat-caused wreck!

But the one sure way to immediatley have a derailment is to leave the room[:D]

QUOTE: Originally posted by joeyegarner
I think you should cut the trip pins off. Not complely but you should shorten them. I always cut them short and bend them up a little to keep them from giving me trouble

[#ditto]That's exactly what I do...saves a lot of headaches.