I am new to this hobby. I am a long time modeler. I put together a L shape layout 7’ by 3.5’ and 8’ by 3.5 on the run. I put my atlas 100 track on cork. everything is level and secure. I am having severe problems keeping my rolling stock on the track . I had to put so much weight in them that the engine ( a very inexpensive one for preliminary testing) sometimes slips . I took some of the weight out a little at a time and I got it. I went out and purchased a very nice 4-6-4 steam engine with sound and a tender , what a beautiful piece but the front four keep coming off of the track at the turnouts and sometimes on curves. at one point the darn thing fell off all together and fell to the floor . I am very frustrated and I dont kmow what to do. By the way I have 18 degree turns and this engine is for that setup.
Please help
The first thing you need to do is get an NMRA gauge, which should be available at your LHS (Local Hobby Shop). If you’re using flex track, the joints between each section can be kinked (are you using rail joiners?) and you need to check each and every joint with the gauge. Next, you have to check all the wheels on your cars to see if they’re in gauge. This includes the wheels on your engine. If the pilot wheels are unrailing on curves and at turnouts I would check the track first and then the engine’s wheels.
You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you before everything is checked. After you’ve gauged the rails and wheels, get back to us and we’ll tell you how to fix the problems.
The standard minimum radius for HO is 18". Most manufacturers design their equipment to conform to this standard. There are exceptions of course, but I doubt you have found any of those. Are you using only sectional track or do you have flex track?
YNCS is right about all that he has mentioned about checking the gauge on your track. Atlas is usually manufactured perfectly, but it is very easy to deform when laying it. If you get the nails in too tight, and bend the ties, you will pinch the gauge down slightly. The ends of sectional track should meet squarely, and flex track poses a whole different set of issues.
It would probably be a good idea to get a good basic engine to do your testing. The track may not be the problem at all. A diesel, not a steam engine. Athearn, Atlas, or Kato would all be good choices.
Start slow, and be systematic in your approach. It’s easy to bite off too much, and become frustrated, and that’s no way to start a new hobby.
i can’t add much 2 wut Big_Boy_4005, and YNCS said, but out of curiousity sake is it possible 2 increase u minimum radius from 18 2 something bigger. Sometimes bigger engines wit a larger wheel bases will have a big “overhang” and will cause other rollin stock 2 derail. Also if u increase ur minimum radius 2 something a little bit larger then ur engines will preform alot better. i know that wuz the case wit my layout, my engines had a hard time goin around 22 inch radius curves so i changed my layout around so that i have a minimum 26 inch radius, and now my engines preform alot better pullin 25 cars up a 3 percent grade!
just my 2 cents worth
You need to widen your curves
4-6-4’s and Steam in general do not like 18" radius curves, or even 20". 22" would be my guess as minimum. You may find they don’t like #4 turnouts either.
Stick with GP type diesels for the ‘tight’ stuff, and run 28"r for the mainline. That only requires a 5’ width to make a 180o turn. The 90o corner of the ‘L’ can do it with 3’ - 4’ section… Simple. 4-6-4’s ran on the big mainlines not branchlines. Your passenger cars will run better too. Limit your car’s weight to NMRA std practice. 80 -85’ cars 6.75oz - 7oz. (See A Line)
I don’t think an NMRA gauge will solve your problem.