On my layout I have several types of track systems. Lionel tubular with 031 curves, Gargraves with same curves and have used Lionel fastrack.
I am trying to re-create a layout circa 1941, but at present have a mix of engines. It is all very much in transition. Trackage is the open question.
On both the lionel and gargraves a modern engine (#1224) has a tendency to derail at a very moderate speed on both types of track. It did not do this on a Fastrack loop with 031 curves unless run at an excessive speed.
On these same loops my older engine (#224) pulls at a much higher rate of speed. It is of course a much SHORTER engine.
Do the modern, longer engines require a wider curve to run reliably? I have tried to be careful with track work, recrimping many joints with track pliers etc. Alignement of curves to straight is as close as can be made with both track systems. Should I just discontinue using the bigger engines in order to keep the 031 curves?
I would use Fastrack if the noise level could be controlled, but even on 1 1/2" foam it is unacceptabel. but that is another subject.
First off the “Fasttrack” is a 36" curve as opposed to a 31" in your “O” track. What type of engine is your “1224” ? If it is a steamer and it is the leading truck that is derailing try checking the gauge of the wheels/flange, if the gauge appears good check the down tension to make sure it is sufficient to hold it down thru curves and turnouts.
If it is a diesel I would check the gauge and make sure that nothing is binding anywhere.
If the derailment occurs in the same spot but not in another with the same curve, check the spot for levelness, rail alignment. Check the axels on the loco trucks to make sure it runs true does not wobble. Make sure the front truck is free and doesn’t bind.
Hope this helps as I have found each of these will cause derailments.
Have you cut the track anywhere? A small piece of metal sticking up can also be the culprit for a derailment. I find that most derailments are track related, how well did you lay your track? Is there any uneven rails, bent rails? GarGraves and 027 bend easier than O gauge tubular track.
Other things to consider when mixing track, especially GarGraves and tubular-don’t put a switch within two feet of a track change; example GarGraves to O gauge tubular with adapter pins you need to space a switch from the change-over point.
GarGraves to 027 track has less derailments when using a switch nearby the change-over point. I change GarGraves to 027 at a switch with no problems.
Thanks, folks! A lot of good info to check out. To answer questions: The Lionel and Gargraves are seperat loops with no switches at this time. No cut tracks.
It seems to me that the front truck MAY be de-railing, not always at the same point.
The loco is #1225, not #1224. Sorry for the typo. It is from a Polar Express set. I did not realize that the Fastrack was a larger curve as I have used it very little.
Take a look at the pilot truck on a curve. Are the wheels parallel to the rails and the axle perpendicular to the rails? Lionel has a tendency to design 2-wheel leading trucks with too short a tongue, leading to oversteering on curves. This may be your problem if the derailments are usually to the insides of the curves. The correct geometry has the pivot about midway between the pilot-truck axle and the middle of the drivers.
I had a scale berkshire that would derail on a 0-42 curve. This was the minimun that the engine was to run on. I did two things to correct it first I banked the side it was derailing on. I raised that side about an eighth of an inch with some small pieces of wood. I also placed a small chunk of lead on the pilot with tape. This worked for me. Hope this helps?
If anyone wants to try to move a locomotive’s pivot, the exactly correct location is slightly forward of midway between the pilot-truck axle and the middle of the drivers. The amount by which it is forward of the midpoint is the square of the wheelbase, divided by the total distance between midpoint and pilot-truck axle, divided by 8. For a 2026 or 2037 this is about 1/4 inch.