I just bought 3 Walthers NJ Transit Commuter Cars and they seem to have a hard time staying on the tracks. The trucks seem to have a mind of their own and derail for reasons I can’t figure out.
Are there better trucks out there for passenger cars? What does everyone use?
Are you using these in push as well as pull?
Do the trucks swivel freely and have some slight sideplay/ wobble? Also the Walther’s passenger trucks are not lubed, light oiling of the axle journals is a must. What is your min radius?
Do they tend to derail on turns or at the same spots?
Bob K.
Prizm,
Follow Robert’s advice about lubing.
Also, check the wheel gauge. (Hope you have an NMRA multi-purpose gauge handy).
My wife’s cousin had the same problems you’re describing with cars from another manufactuer.
Upon checking he discovered that the wheels were off by about "1/8. Quick fix with needle nose pliers and the derailments ceased.
Hope this is helpful!
Thanks for the replies guys.
It’s mostly pull, very little push
My min radius is 22 and it seems like the rear trucks don’t return to the straight position coming out of a turn the more I observe it.
What kind of lube is good for trucks? Dry Graphite or just regular oil?
No regular oil, please.
http://kadee.com/htmbord/page157.htm
Sounds like you have a stiff lateral truck swing. Did you lossen up the truck screw?