Hello My name is Derek.I have nearly completed my first H.O layout and disaster has struck. I have 2 points on my track where my loco jumps one wheel off the track. I have cleaned the track cleaned the loco,leveled the track, shimmed, adjusted, banged, hit,screamed at,and nothing works!!This NEVER did this before it only started about a week ago.Can anyone help?
Thanks
Derek
Run your finger along the track to make sure that the railjoiners ( if it is not
soldered) is tight and touching the other railhead to railhead other wise if they
are not smooth trains like to jump…
Also how are your curves what radius or diameter are you using some
larger locomotives either HO scale or other scales, large diesels and large
steam will jump the track if the radius is to tight.
My Big Boy Steam loco 4-8-8- will jump (in N scale)on tight curves…Also if you checked on the railjoiners try and make sure you can secure the track to your layout with nails or other adhesive,ie if the track moves that could do it too.
Stick with it ! Its an awesome Hobby !
Derek,
seacoast’s suggestions are a good starting place. After that, inspect the loco’s wheels to make sure there are no defects with them - burrs, broken flanges, loose or wobbly wheels etc. Check the wheels and track for correct gauge. An NMRA standards gauge will help here. If the wheels or track are too far out of gauge derailments will occur.
Dale B.
I have had this problem also. For me it was of course on a curve. My curve was a 22’’ radius and in the middle of the curve it became sharper than 22’'. Also not know what region you are in but moisture can play havoc on layouts. The wood will shrink and contract with the moisture in the air. So if you have a furnace running the air inside will become drier. There’s not too much to do about this, except maybe covering every in of you layout in a good thick coat of paint.
could be,
Jeremy
Go Packers!!
THANKS FOR THE ADVICE GENTS!!! ILL LET YOU KNOW
DEREK[8D]