Just making the switch from “O” to “HO”. We purchased the Bachmann WGH track kit…thinking it would be a good/easy introduction to the scale…but we are running into problems. We seem to have made all the correct connections between track pieces, loco’s run fine, however the turnouts consistently derail the other cars. We run both “ready to run” and kit cars…both seem equally prone to derail. Is this a common problem with this type of track? Can anyone offer a solution? My youngest is an avid model railroader, but is losing interest quickly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, it is typical. Figure to spend about 45 minutes per turnout filing the points and frogs smooth.
Are your turnouts the remotely operated electric type (they’ll have a green ribbon cable attached to them) or are they the manual type (no cable) on which you have to operate them by hand. The manual type will lock into position and will derail a train coming the wrong way. On the electric type the points will move aside when a train comes through the wrong way. I use only Bachmann nickel-silver EZ Track on my layout. I have 12 turnouts. 3 are #5’s and the rest are #4’s. Of the #4, 2 are manual turnouts which are generally what come with starter sets. Also on these turnouts they must be as close to level as possible. If they’re not the point rail can rise up and cause a derailment. Also try to avoid the dreaded ‘S’ curve. An ‘S’ curve WILL cause derailments on even the highest quality turnouts and with high quality rolling stock as well as the cheaper stuff that I and many others out there use.
I realize you’ve already spent $ on the Bachmann set, but if you want true worry free operation for your child, I’d suggest this version of the WGH set.
p.s. It’s available from most vendors; I just happened to be at this one while reading your message is all.
http://www.toytrainheaven.com/.sc/ms/dd/HO%20Track–Kato%20Track/38639102/Kato%20HO%