Simple problem, or so it seems. Have a new HO diesel engine (collector’s Red Sox). Nice piece. Also, I am setting up my first layout. Now, on one area of track, where a curve begins (18"), the front truck of this diesel consistently jumps off track. To troubleshoot, I made certain rails were smooth, no burs. The truck itself seems to be free of obstruction (that is it moves freely). The same type of track on other end of layout, the engine has no problem. It has me baffled. The track is cemented down, however, I guess the next move might be to replace that section (that will be a chore). My other diesel, seems to move through this area with no hesitation whatsoever. This fact makes me question the wisdom of tearing up a section of track. And I would venture to say that both diesels are almost identical in style, weight, etc. Any vets out there with things I should check for? Thx!
Your finger is a good gauge of small nicks or bumps in the track that your eye can miss–try running your finger along the inside of the rail and feel for any protrusions.
You also might check and see if the trucks on the engine have any problem turning–if they are getting hung up on something they might be the source of the problem. Look for wires, plastic flash or other obstruction preventing free movement.
Use a small level to check for a dip or hump in one rail at the approach to that curve. I had a similar problem on an HO-scale club layout with an Athearn Genesis SD-70. As the loco entered a particular curve, it always derailed when going forward, but never derailed, on the same curve, going in the same direction, running in reverse. The problem turned out to be a slight dip in the track that allowed the front truck, which was stiffer than the rear truck, to climb over the top of the rail as it entered the curve. Shimming the track to insure that it was absolutely level solved the problem. A slight rise in one rail could also cause a similar problem. If you don’t have a small string level, try holding a popsicle stick or similar wood or metal piece lengthwise on the rail and check for evidence of a dip or hump as you move the stick along the track.
You might also glue a small weight to the top of the truck or under the shell. That’ll increase the downward pressure on the flanges.
thank you guys. I will try suggestions. As far as adding weight to the truck though, the piece is a loco, and has considerable weight to begin with (relatively speaking). But thanks again for the suggestion! -Sully