I just bought my first Lionel train set a few months ago and now I’m finally getting it set up (sorta). It’s an 11500 set with a 2029 loco and some cars. I paid $125 shipped which is guess is an ok price. it has enough track for a figure 8 and an original bottle of smoke pellets which I thought was cool even though the smoker doesn’t work. I’ve looked all over but can’t find this particular set (still in the box) listed anywhere. I’ve been looking on the boards here & elsewhere and found good advice on everything so far, but I didn’t see anything about my problem which may be because it’s too obvious or simple but I’ll ask anyway.
My problem is the cars keep derailing! The train & tender run perfectly. Usually the first car behind the tender is ok too, but whichever cars are at the end or next to the end keep derailing on a regular basis. I’m not running at more than half speed but they do it anyway. I’ve pushed the track together (0-27) as tight as I can get it. I did notice that on the worst of the ones that derail there is a little round dinner-plate looking thing that hangs down under the couple so low it almost touches the track. The “hook” that lets the couple connect to another car behind itis broken on it (another issue I need to figure out how to fix) so I’m not 100% sure what it does.
Also wondering if anyone else on here is from Mississippi? Sorry to jump in with questions on my first post, but as I learn more I’ll be sure and try to help others down the road.
Hello Beef! The part you described that hangs low is called a plunger and is activated by a magnet in a uncoupling track section which you may or may not have with your train set. To avoid derailments couple the heaviest cars behind the tender followed by the lightweight cars and make sure the track sections are nice and tight for this.And finally,have that one coupler fixed so that it no longer opens by itself. If there is no service station near you let us know and we’ll help you out. Take Care.
First Mississippi peson I’ve seen. Was there Friday Pm thru Sunday PM for the Bass Pro Shops grand opening. [over 19,000 folks there Saturday]. Commented then that I did not know of any Mississippi guys on here. Your problem could be several things. Too long cars for 027 curves. My first guess is plastic trucks [the things the wheels are connected too]. Try some weigh in the cars and see what thappens. If this does not help, then its track alignment [which I doubt due to engine not deraling] or bent wheels or something like that. Good luck. Keep us informed.
Hi guys thanks for the quick replies! That new Bass Pro Shops is right down the road from me. It’s got a lot of local guys scared to death. I’ve been talking to their mgr about him buying my airboat to hang from the ceiling!
Anyway, I have a hopper that I loaded up with rocks and stuff which solved the problem with it. However, the other cars aren’t really set up to add weight as far as I can tell. Is there a trick to this?
I also need to fix the couplers on two of them. The little piece that makes the “hook” is broken. Are there repair kits for those? thanks!
Take alook at the plunger see if its hanging so low because the pin is pulled out of its slot normally attached to the coupler arm located right behind the plunger.If it was pulled out of the little hole the plunger will seem to hit the track, and the coupler will not close either
lots of luck
[2c]
You could and should also add a drop of light oil to the inside of the knucle to reduce the friction between cars. Also add a small drop of oil between the truck and the car so it pivots freely.
You mention you have a figure 8. Does it cross over on a trestle?
If so, I think the derailments might be occurring on a curve(s) where the track suddenly rises. You may need to play around with the track and perhaps superelevate a section just a bit until the derailments stop.
You are dealing with very tight radius (027) track and possibly abrupt elevations. Also, try to smooth out the elevations so they rise steadily upwards.
Or, the weights and heavier cars in front might solve the problem alone.
Asking questions on your first post?..that’s all I did for several months when I first found these guys…that’s what we’re all here for…to learn things…welcome to the club.
As for the derailment trouble…starting the elevations earlier, to smooth them out, has worked for me with HO scale stuff…I’m assuming physics doesn’t change THAT much between scales…LOL
Well I guess I should be more specific I have enough track for a figure 8 but I’m only using part of it. I’ve got 3 straight pieces of track on the straights and then the curves so the layout is really pretty small right now…just big enough to fit on my table. I noticed if I got over half speed on the transformer the engine will get up on the outside wheels and try to derail so I’m not running very fast at all. GREAT idea on the fishing weights!
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