Derailments, how many do you have??

[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

[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

[icmr]

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



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[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

[trainfreek92]

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

[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

[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.

[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.

[1train1]

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

[railroadyoshi]

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

[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[;)]

[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.

[Don Gibson]

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

[Anonymous]

A few happen.

[trainboyH16-44]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[Anonymous]

none, since i removed all the switches.