Posts Tagged ‘model train layouts’
Avoiding Derailments in Model Train Layouts
Regardless of how many model train layouts you have built it inevitably happens… your train derails. It is one of the most frustrating things about this hobby.
You may have just fixed a portion of track where derailments occur and everything is looking fine and you think all is well and then “bamm” your train derails again somewhere else on the layout.
It’s enough to make you want to toss the locomotive against the wall or take a baseball bat to your layout (I’m speaking from experience here).
But with a little extra attention to detail you can avoid derailments and have the smoothest running model train layouts you’ve ever dreamed of.
8 Steps to Stop Derailments
1 – Make sure the tracks are clear
I’m stating the obvious here but eyeballing model train layouts will sometimes be enough to diagnose the problem. Are there any obstructions on the rails? Is there any plaster, glue or other obstacle attached to the railing? Have any sections of track come apart?
2 – Make sure that the rail joints are aligned, seated properly and level.
This may sound like a no-brainer but it’s the most common cause of train derailments. It’s simple to check, just take your finger and slide it along the joints.
If you feel any lumps a small file can readily solve that problem. If the gaps are two large between the tracks you may want to solder them together to keep them from spreading apart as the train passes over it.
3 – Lubricate
Sometimes all it takes is a little oil to cure your derailing woes. If your wheels and couplers aren’t lubricated it can create a slight jarring which can cause the flange of the wheel to catch the rail thereby causing a derailment.
DO NOT over lubricate! Only a tiny amount of oil is necessary. You don’t want to use too much since oil attracts dust, which can also create problems, and it may also damage any paint that it comes in contact with.
4 – Add some weight to freight cars.
You will find that many freight cars are light and as a result all the wheels may not have proper contact with the rails which can cause the car to jump the railing on your model train layouts. This can be fixed by adding a little weight to all your cars and should help avoid derailments especially around tight curves.
Where you put the weight is very important. Make sure you place the weight as low on the cars as possible and centered otherwise you might make them unstable.
5 – Check your turnouts
The movable section on turnouts can cause derailments if it is not flush up against the side of the railing. If that’s the problem just file the points until they are flat against the rail.
6 – Check out your wheel sets
If your wheel sets are not moving freely or aligned properly they may cause derailments on your model train layouts. The carriages should move freely in order to absorb minor imperfections in the rails. If they are tight and freeze up it can force the flanges of the wheel to grab the track and derail.
7 – Make sure track gauge is right
Believe it or not this is a very common problem especially on turnouts. A gauge that’s too tight will force the train wheels to climb up and over the rails. A gauge that’s too wide will cause the wheels to fall between the rails.
You can adjust the gauge on some types of track by using a soldering iron to heat the rail then moving it into the proper position and letting it cool. Other types may require the use of pliers.
If all else fails then just replace that section of track.
8 – Check your couplers.
Check to make sure that the couplers on the locomotive and cars are centered and are the proper height. Instructions on how to do this are normally provided by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Hopefully this will solve all your derailment problems. If you’re still having problems over a certain sections of your layouts you may want to add a guard rail to the inside of the rails which will keep the wheels in line.
But I think you will find that if you follow these steps and provide a little bit of maintenance once in a while derailments on your model train layouts will be history.