amtrak derailment

[Anonymous]

Hi

Today i bought a Lifelike Amtrak locomotive.The problem is that it keeps derailing on my atlas switches.They are standard switches.


Any advise?

Pavariangoo

[Anonymous]

If it means anything to you the bogies have 4 wheels each and all-wheel pickup and allwheel drive.

Pavariangoo

[cacole]

What scale? Atlas makes both HO and N, and their standard line turnouts are equally problematic. First, check the wheel gauge on all locomotive axles with an NMRA gauge to make sure they are correct. Then run the gauge through the turnout and insure that it is within tolerances. Then check the amount of swivel in the trucks if it is derailing on the diverging route. Run your finger along the turnout frog and feel for snags that might need to be filed down. The same for the plastic guide rails opposite the frog. If it's derailing going into the turnout from the points end, carefully file the ends of the point rails to a better taper at their top edge. Most Atlas turnouts have blunt ends on the point rails that need to be filed to a smoother taper. Make sure the point rails are being held firmly against the stock rails. See that the point rails have not dropped down from wear and causing the locomotive's wheel flanges to miss them.

If all else fails, use a better turnout, such as a Peco.

[Anonymous]

I have been reccomended peco switches but they are more difficult to mount.

My scale is N scale.
pavariangoo

[potlatcher]

With the luck Amtrak's been having lately, a derailed Amtrak locomotive is very prototypical!! [:D][:D][:D]

Tom

[Anonymous]

look at the back wheels they have those traction tires that might be getting hung up on the turnout-remove them at once. u might just be better off returning the life like and spending 20 extra bucks to get a walthers f40 theyre light years ahead in terms of both realism and performnce. i have had one for 2 years and have zero complaints-plus u get the warranty

[Anonymous]

I'd keep the Life Likes for now and wait for the Kato Amtrak F40s.