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Reply to "Derailments?"

Thanks for the usual interesting query, Arnold. I rarely have derailments on my layout, most commonly a very light unit (Thomas the Tank) not activating the non-derailing feature of a certain switch, but here's my recent experience with the most serious derailment on my layout.

Had 9 family members over for Thanksgiving dinner, including 5 grandkids. Had planned a "grand unveiling" of the completion of my layout, 8 years in the making. Of course I intended to engage the grandkids in operation of the vintage accessories, which they had done lots before (rocket launcher, log loader, milk car, cattle car, crane, coal loader). Began with rocket launcher, then log loader, then "Moe and Joe". All good.  An 11 y/o asked to run a train, so I agreed to let him run a LionelChief unit with an ABA double motorized configuration on one of 2 parallel main lines.  I deliberately have purchased several LionelChief units for ease of operation with the remote.  I decided to operate another unit on the parallel line, with a TMCC remote.  After a circuit or 2, he must have pushed the horn button and inadvertently activated the rear decoupler instead (same button), so the motorized units separated from the rest of the consist.   When I saw the decoupled units, I told my grandson to move it in reverse, and intended to recouple the units. While I was tending to some of the features of the TMCC unit, the speed on the LionelChief unit was increased too high, which created a derailment on BOTH lines. No damage, but by the time I got all cars back on their tracks, most of the observers left.

Lesson learned: I agree with the other suggestions above to avoid/minimize derailments, but when engaging less experienced train operators, give them your undivided attention to be sure you can make any adjustments, avoid any problems especially with speed, and keep them, and any other observers, engaged.

Michael

PS: I intend to have a 2nd "unveiling" for Christmas dinner with no derailments!!

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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