I use Atlas Code 55 turnouts. On some of my turnouts I get derailments in one direction only. Do you have the have the points heading in the right direction or should the train pass through the turnout regardless of which direction the points are set? New to this, so may not be using the right terminology. Thanks.
Hello Gopherbroke, Welcome to the Forum
Your trains should pass through the turnouts in either direction without derailing. Check the following
Is the turnout the right size for the equipment passing through?. If several cars derail on a particular turnout the fault usually lies within the turnout. This is where an NMRA track gauge can help you. Is the turnout laying flat on the surface, a hump where the frog is can also spell trouble.
Are the wheels in gauge? Again the NMRA gauge comes into play. I see you are new. I advise getting this gauge for your scale. You will but it once but use it for a lifetime.
Do you have low hanging coupler trip pins? If the coupler trip pins are too low they will snag and derail the car.
Are the cars derailing at another location and getting caught on the turnout? This can happen when a car derails at a location, continues to ride unnoticed and the derailed wheel gets caught up in the turnout.
Welcome to model railroading. Laying track and turnouts and maintaining rolling stock that consistently performs well takes time and patience. We have all been down this road.
Update this post as you work so others can follow and continue to assist.
Good Luck,
John R
If you are referring to, for example, a train comign in to the curved side whereas the points are aligned so that a train approaching the point side would take the straight route, then yes, this will cause derailments. There’s some spring in the mechanism (assumign you have switch machines attached to these), but it’s enough to force the wheels to jump, particularly on lighter cars - the engine might make it through, but that’s it. You need to align the points for the right path for it to be reliable.
Hrkens back to when I was little, 5-6 years old, and we had a seasonal 4x8 we set up in the family room. My Dad built it all, but I was the only one who could run it - when he tried, he always managed to have a switch set wrong and derailed the train.
–Randy
The points must be aligned with the route or you will have derailments. Atlas C55 also needs some mechanism to hold the points firmly against the adjacent rails: either a ground throw or switch machine.
Thank you John. Great feedback. This is one of the things I love about this hobby - the willingness of others to provide input and encouragement. I am very determined and patient and will make this a work of art. Wish me luck.