Derailment Problem - SOLVED!!!

[Trainman440]

Hi :D

I just installed a bridge on my layout, I have horrible track - laying skills...

Let's just say that it probably wasen't a good idea to make a custom MicroMark CURVED 85' bridge on a SLOPED & CURVED part of the layout on my FIRST layout...

Anyways, the rails have many issues between the bridge and the "ground" rail connection. It's all slightly bent in all directions...

Nonetheless, I placed a few rolling stock(like 2 boxcars) on the bridge and let it roll down the slope. For some reason, the Athearn RTR boxcar's front(in this case) truck kept on derailing...while the Bluebox Box car never derailed. I thought that the trackwork was the issue...I did troubleshooting process, checking the distance between the rail, rolling the boxcar slowely through the joint to see how it derails...etc

Finally, I checked the wheel that was derailing. I checked to see if it was on scale(with my cheap but accurate plastic sheet with 2 indents jig) Surprsingly, the wheel was on scale. 

I finally found out that the wheel had significantly less side to side play than all the other wheels. I thought that the wheel was faulty and that the axle was too long. I replaced that wheel and realized that the issue was still there. Turns out the plastic truck was faulty!!!

One of the 2 holes(where the axle tips go) was too small!!

As you can see down below, the right hole is just the slightest bit(1/64in) too small. 

You and I can learn 3 things from this:

1. Horrible trackwork isn't always to blame
2. Plastic truck axle holes is a new thing to check(when troubleshooting, or in a "checkup")
3. Never plan to add something like a curved bridge on your first layout. 

Now I gotta find myself a Micromark Truck tuner...

Charles

 

[G Paine]

Good catch, the Micromark Truck tuner solves a lot of problems like this. A lot of older Athearns have out of gauge wheels, if you do not have one, add an NMRA standards gauge to your shopping list.

[BRAKIE]

Good trouble shooting.. That Micromark tool is a handy tool to have.I have one but,seldom use it because I still use a modeler's Phillips head screwdriver.

Do what??!!!

Just for fun fact. Before Micromark's tool many of us use a small modeler's  Phillips head screwdriver to clean out the journals and it worked and I automatically grab my small Phillips head screwdriver because its handy.. You see I keep my KD spring tubes,couplers,washers,Micromark tool,screws and other like items in small fishing lure storage boxes in  my tool box. I use a Athearn BB locomotive box lid to store my most used tools in like modeler's screwdrivers,grabber,pin vise,three different pliers and three clamp style clothespins..

[Quincy47]

When I started 30 years ago I decided that no piece of equipment would go on the lay without a complete "physical". That meant wheels were gauged , journal boxes cleaned, coupler height, and car weight were all at NMRA standards. In addition all plastic wheels were replaced with metal ones. Truck clearances were checked in case the manufacturer didn't allow for proper clearances.

Nothing eliminates all derailments but at least I'm 99% sure it is not my rolling stock

[BRAKIE]

Quincy47

Nothing eliminates all derailments but at least I'm 99% sure it is not my rolling stock

Thousands of us enjoy 100% derailment free operation from inspecting and fine tuning our cars and locomotives before they are place in service.

But,that's not all.

You see RP20.1(car weight) and metal wheels won't help one iota if the track work is substandard that is another reason we take the extra steps to ensure our track work is smooth.

100% derailment free operation should be the goal of every modeler. Do not accept anything less.

This is how I switched cars yesterday on my ISL for three hours without a derailment,engine stall or  having my KDs to fail to uncouple over a magnet or perform my standard "kiss" coupling-that's where you couple cars without moving the standing car..

[richhotrain]

Yep, all of the above is true, but it is not only the rolling stock that may cause problems but also the track work. I agree that we should strive for, insist upon, 100% derailment free operations. But, don't forget about the track work when you are fine tuning that rolling stock.

Rich

[joe323]

Actually most of my derailments are caused by forgetting to set turnouts properly.

[BRAKIE]

joe323

Actually most of my derailments are caused by forgetting to set turnouts properly.

 

Last time I did that I was dispatching at a club way back in 2002 and threw a switch under a moving train..Without looking and as bold as you please I reached over and lined the switch for a meet. Train A will meet train B at Cline and train B will meet train C at  Shores Road where train A was at when I threw the switch under the train-Train C was behind train A and was running against restricting signals. My plan was to set up a diversion approach  for train C..

It took several months for me to live that down.

[Quincy47]

BRAKIE

 

 

joe323

Actually most of my derailments are caused by forgetting to set turnouts properly.

 

 

 

 

Last time I did that I was dispatching at a club way back in 2002 and threw a switch under a moving train..Without looking and as bold as you please I reached over and lined the switch for a meet. Train A will meet train B at Cline and train B will meet train C at  Shores Road where train A was at when I threw the switch under the train-Train C was behind train A and was running against restricting signals. My plan was to set up a diversion approach  for train C..

It took several months for me to live that down.

 

After carefully installing and super elevating a curve, my reliable GP9 test engine would inexplicably slow in the curve. Repeated track adjustments failed, after about an hour I finally discovered that somehow  the Geep's "fuel tank" was pulled down. After pushing it back in place it went through the "faulty " trackwork perfectly