Derailments

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EverettPet - 20 Jun 2004 19:48 GMT

What usually causes derailments on older track?

I've been cleaning some and the test train kept derailing at curves. The only
obvoius thing was the uneven surface the track was on.

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Jim Guthrie - 20 Jun 2004 21:39 GMT

>What usually causes derailments on older track?
>
>I've been cleaning some and the test train kept derailing at curves. The only
>obvoius thing was the uneven surface the track was on.

The uneven surface the track is on :-)

Seriously, though, I would lay odds on that that is the root cause of
your problem. Track does need to have a good, flat base if things are
to run well on it..

Jim.

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EverettPet - 20 Jun 2004 21:59 GMT

Cheers Jim - I'll look for a better surface!

Ken, the wheels are definately clean and I assume they're pretty true as it's
only been run a couple of times from new! (It's the Bachmann Super Voyager)

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MartinS - 20 Jun 2004 23:05 GMT

> Cheers Jim - I'll look for a better surface!
>
> Ken, the wheels are definately clean and I assume they're pretty
> true as it's only been run a couple of times from new! (It's the
> Bachmann Super Voyager)

Newer models have finer-scale wheels and are more likely to be affected
by minor track misalignment. Get a better surface and/or newer track.

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Martin S.

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James Hancock - 21 Jun 2004 12:13 GMT

> Cheers Jim - I'll look for a better surface!
>
> Ken, the wheels are definately clean and I assume they're pretty true as it's
> only been run a couple of times from new! (It's the Bachmann Super Voyager)

Ah, right! I've found that the Super Voyager is a right pain to get
working - it doesn't seem to run well on anything :( If you could post back
here if you discover what must be done to the track to get it to run, I'd be
grateful!

Cheers

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James Hancock
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EverettPet - 21 Jun 2004 12:54 GMT

I've found that straight track presents no problems.

I'll have a look at the wheels because I feel they are closer together (not
close enough to the rails) compared to other stock.

I also think the tilting mechanism makes cornering worse!

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Phil - 21 Jun 2004 13:39 GMT

> > Cheers Jim - I'll look for a better surface!
> >
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> > only been run a couple of times from new! (It's the Bachmann Super
> Voyager)

> Ah, right! I've found that the Super Voyager is a right pain to get
> working - it doesn't seem to run well on anything :( If you could post
> back here if you discover what must be done to the track to get it to
> run, I'd be grateful!
> Cheers

Phil: To improve mine, I've added lead to each bogie (with an insulating
layer to the axles), but still get problems with the bogie behind the
power car ( the trailing coach/bogie, whichever disrection the unit is
running, or however many coaches conected) when it comes out of a bend,
and 'should' straighten up - it appears as if the spring is too strong and
lifts the bogie to keep it close to the body!
Whereas my non-super voyager, pendolino, and old APT run without problems.

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Phil Spiegelhalter: Phil@fillin.co.uk
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EverettPet - 21 Jun 2004 16:37 GMT

As there was a bit of sunshine this afternoon I did a bit of experimenting with
the Voyager.

I think the coupling mechanism and the length of the body is to blame for most
of the drailments. The wheel spacing is the same as other trains and the wheel
base (on single bogie) and distance from the bogie centre to centre of coupling
is only 2mm more than my good running Bachmann 158.

http://members.aol.com/EverettPet/voyager/ for ramblings on and photos

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MartinS - 21 Jun 2004 18:29 GMT

> As there was a bit of sunshine this afternoon I did a bit of
> experimenting with the Voyager.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> http://members.aol.com/EverettPet/voyager/ for ramblings on and
> photos

Definitely. The reverse curves with no transition are pretty severe for
coaches of this length with body-mounted couplings.
Would this be a typical situation on a permanent layout?

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Martin S.

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Erik Olsen - 21 Jun 2004 19:52 GMT

> Definitely. The reverse curves with no transition are pretty severe
> for coaches of this length with body-mounted couplings.
> Would this be a typical situation on a permanent layout?

I hope not. In my opinion it's a definite no-no.

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Venlig hilsen
Erik Olsen
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Ken Parkes - 20 Jun 2004 21:40 GMT

> What usually causes derailments on older track?
>
> I've been cleaning some and the test train kept derailing at curves. The only
> obvoius thing was the uneven surface the track was on.

Are the wheels clean and true?

Ken.

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Model Forum / General / Railroads / June 2004

Derailments