Can I substitute the needle point axles with fixed wheels on the truck 480-1 / TP-1 set?
I am trying to work on my barrel car which keeps derailing on my Gargrave switches.
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Exactly what is causing the wheels to derail on the switch? Do you have other rolling stock with similar trucks and wheels that operate properly through the switches? Check the wheel gauge on the trucks and compare with the gauge on a car that does not derail.
You can try substituting the fast angle wheel sets in the PW trucks. Make sure the axle lengths are the same.
Larry
You also might want to check the spring tension on the sliding shoes. If it is to heavy it could be lifting the truck up as it transverses the switch causing it to derail.
On the 480 truck the rotation occurs as the wheel rotates on the axle. The hole in the truck side frame is there to support the truck, it is not a bearing. On the fast angle wheels, of which I have little knowledge, are the wheels pressed on the axle and the bearing is rotation between the end of the axle and the side frame? If this the case I would say the fast angle wheel sets are not interchangeable into the 480 truck.
In looking at your picture it looks like the flange is well worn. If this the case it could be part of the problem. If the flange is worn the bore of the wheels may also be worn. I have also found that bent axles can be a cause of derailments on a switch. I have changed a lot of bent axles. I have never figured out how so many axles get bent.
I have also found that bent axles can be a cause of derailments on a switch. I have changed a lot of bent axles. I have never figured out how so many axles get bent.
Yup, it seems that when I run into a car that derails on switches it almost always turns out to be a bent axle.
Once in awhile I get a car with a truck that is twisted so the wheels don't rest flat and evenly on the track.
