How many use rerailers and what is the thought process on using or not using ?
Hi!
Good question!
In my previous HO 11x15 two level layout, and the replacement one I am currently building, I used a number of Atlas rerailers at various places. Most were at the head end of the lower level hidden staging tracks, and a couple were on the grade (also hidden) going up to the main level.
I did have two on the main level, one on each of the main line tracks so as to form a crossing. I used some paints and “camoflage” to disquise them and they looked ok (not great, just ok).
Truthfully, my trackage on the main line was pretty good, and derails only occured when I was “playing” or going thru a misaligned turnout. My point is, if your trackage is “bulletproof”, you should not need rerailers on the main lines. However, having them in hidden areas and staging tracks does make sense, as cars tend to be handled on staging tracks with the ol 0-5-0 switchers - greatly increasing the chance of wheels off the track.
My new layout has one on the hidden grade going to the staging area, and will have one at the head end of each of the 6 staging tracks. There will be none on the main (open) level, which will surely test out my tracklaying skills (which have been fairly dormant for 14 years).
Hey, ENJOY,
Mobilman44
I don’t use them. If your trackwork is reasonably good you shouldn’t need them. I have occasional derailments, but when they happen I try to determine the cause and fix it. Most of my derailments are caused by a misaligned switch. It isn’t too hard to keep up maintenance with a medium sized layout, but I can see how a larger one could be a challenge. Having said that, I can still see a good use for a rerailer in cases when I remove a car from the layout and then return it. I use semi-scale wheels that are a litttle harder to rerail, so the extra help could be handy at those times.
I have rerailers in a few places, primarily for getting polling stock onto the track quickly without a lot of fiddling with the trucks. Two are factory made and the others are scratchbuilt.
I have some rerailers in the leads to the staging tracks - just ‘extra’ insurance. We also have rerailers at the club on each end of each staging track and at the entrance to the staging tracks(helps with ‘operator error’).
Jim
I put them in tunnels and concealed trackage on general principles. They look kinda toy like so I don’t have them anywhere they show.
When I first got started I used them ever where, that been a few years ago. As I started to understand MRR better I had less need of them. Section I added does not have one. I still find them handy, when I am adding rolling stock or a steam engine to the bench. I sort of wish I added one to the new section.
Cuda Ken
I have one at front end of my staging just to make sure every train starts out with a good “footing”. Otherwise, I steer clear. Personally, if a train is derailed, I think it helps pull the train off the track more, but maybe I’m just crazy.[D)]
That’s my opinion.[2c]
MadSinger
Slight tangent:
Does anyone make a rerailer that doesn’t have that big ugly plastic part. Perhaps out of rail like the guide rails railroads use on bridges?
I don’t use track re-railers, but I’ve got a portable Rix Rail-It:
Mine’s red, though, so it’s better.
I’ve been considering getting one. Whatdya think of yours. Good call on the red.
That is great
I will get rid of my rerailers as I only use them for putting stock on the rails and they do look toy like
Never knew that Rix thing existed
This is one of my scratchbuilt rerailers.
Jeff:
Interesting. Does it work well?
It works every time. The ends are inclined about 30 degrees. The derailed wheels ride up on it and tension from the cars ahead and behind force force the wheels to drop into the grooves. The ground level is even with the rail tops so the wheels can’t stay caught on the rails outer edge. I built it about 10 years ago. I got the idea from a G Scale rerailer I had.
The ingenuity I keep finding on these forums never ceases to amaze me.
Where there’s a will there’s a way.
I use. IT’S INSURANCE. for difficult areas to reach - such as inside tunnels.
They come in different shapes & sizes…
I have a rerailer/terminal connector section in the front of my layout that serves two purposes:
-
get the engine and cars on the track easily, and
-
connects the wires for my DCC system to my very small layout.
It works for me and I don’t really care that the wire connectors are not “prototypical”.
I use rerailers on hidden trackage, in tunnels and staging yards. i also use rix rail it in my staging yard. the once was a time when a rerailer saved a 40 year old ambroid combine from taking the one way trip down long fall gulch (to the unforgiving concrete floor) i doubt i could reassemble the car given my current lack of visial acuity. (old age)