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Reply to "Derailments?"

Other than the ones we caused as kids (like throwing a remote switch with the train passing over it) deliberately, here is what I found:

1)Switch points that were out of line, or the frogs on the later model O27 switches I had had kind of popped up (not sure why, was a long time ago).

2)Track that had twisted or warped (prob because basement was humid and not temp controlled, or the underlying surface was). Keeping train area relatively climate control helps stop these kind of issues, especially with modern track

3)Switch machines, make sure they are adequately powered.

4) Binding trucks on some cars. Sometimes for whatever reasons the trucks are not free swinging.

5)Wheelset in truck binds or on the other end, too loose. The axle ends get worn, and can move around in the bolster.

6)couplers that are bent slightly off center on the trucks. Not sure how it happened, but had some like that, on curves can cause weird things.

7)Couplers that are too high/low (usually caused by warping, again not sure why).

8)kinked tracks, like tracks that were sort of bent to make it work, because they were perfectly lined up. With flex track, this is also an obvious one.

9) Mid track obstructions that can snag the rollers. Or in the same light, rollers that were too stiff, and if there was a gap in the middle rail, damage to it, will force the car up.

10) Have also seen where things like platform edges and the like are too close to the track (common with accessories). Make sure clearance off the track will allow any of your equipment to get by.

11)Parallel tracks on a curve that are too close together, swing of one train knocks the other off.

12). Bad transformer that caused the engine to surge in speed when blowing the whistle, on a curve area (bad rectifier on whistle circuit?) with PW equipment. Had this happen on a friend's layout a long time ago, forget even what the transformer was. Goes along with slowing down in curves.

13)Binding in engine drivers on power war steam engines. Could be the drivers themselves, or bad bearings on the drive wheels. There is some play that is supposed to be there, if it binds can cause engine to derail IME.

14)rail that has loosened on the ties. This is a lot less prevalent with old style tubular, but if you have loose rail and wheels that are slightly out of gauge, can cause a problem. Wheel gauge is the other part of this of course.

15)Flanges that are too deep for track and switches. This applies to modern track and switches with lower profile.  With this, the wheels would need to be replaced or spun down (which is a lot harder than it seems).

16)Obvious one, equipment that marginally can make your curves. Some engines are rated at O31, but if any little thing is off, they will derail.

17)For trucks with pickup rollers, make sure that the power wire is not too short or somehow got caught or tangled, which limits the swivel of the trucks.

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

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