Ok, I promised that I’d post the reason(s) my cars were derailing and all most everyone who replied to my desperate cries from the deep dark layout were correct, it wasn’t one problem but a mixed bag of problems.
Since I couldn’t be by the speed controller and watch the wheels close up at the same time I had my wife run the trains around as I used a zoom on my video camera to tape the wheels as they made their way around the tracks then I could play the run back, fix a problem and then on to the next derailment.
A) On one of the track joints the tie was indeed nailed down too much causing the ones before and after it to pop up and it was on a corner so that made it worst.
B) On another joint I had missed one of the joiners and did not assemble it right it was sitting under one rail causing it not to have a correct current when the track section moved up and down on that end, also I missed a track spike here.
C) One section was oxidized and under a magnifying glass was pitted all along the insides of the track with this white build up this was a problem section which was replaced.
D) At one point I noticed a small 2-8-0 lift up on a curve and that was because the track was twisted “Out of wacky”.
E) And my personal favorite was the one the furthest away from the controller that was “clipping” the side of my bridge and knocking it off the track but just after leaving the bridge, now I could hear this one clicking when the train would go by but after many inspections of the track there I could find nothing until watching the video.
I want to thank all of you who have helped me with this frustrating problem, too those who answered my plea for help on the board and also too those who PM’d or emailed me, all together I got close to 30 replies all with great suggestions to try.
It took 6 hours to figure this all out and make the corrections but well worth it in the end when I could watch the 2-8-0 and the diesels run the tracks with n
Glad to hear you got it all straightened out Jess. Even the real railroads have their track problems to contend with.
One big fault I have is trying to get to much done in a hurry. When laying track I slap down sections of flex track with thoughts of seeing my trains rolling in the next few moments. Only later I realize that turnouts may not be level, track joints may be messed up. I usually make many goofs. Lately I have been working out all these little kinks and run a 6 wheel Athearn diesel. If those rigid trucks will make it throught the rough spots the others will be fine. If you can get your trains rolling while there is someone watching you have it made. My trains will back through a double crossover at forty miles an hour while I am alone but when there is someone else watching they derail on straight sections. My neighbors watch this and think “This guy is Nuts!” Of course they are nearly right! So take some time and lay track with great care and enjoy the rewards!
Cliff
Hmmmmm…never considered using a video camera to debug track problems, but I certainly will from now on. [tup] Glad to hear that you are getting these problems worked out! Jamie
nifty idea with the camera.
I handlay track and have done complex switchwork, and all them leetle problems magnify.
I am working on a new layout and all the problems you encountered are still just as true for me, I have a test train running around as I work on things and fix as you go.
Good luck on the fixes, and keep 'er steamin!
Jess, Im glad to hear that You are up and running again!
Off Topic… How close did the Tornado get too Your place in Ossipee? We were lucky here in Londonderry, Just heavy rain that day. The final report was that the Tornado was an F2 and at times down to an F1, What made it really unusual was its duration. It was on the ground for 1 hour and 20 minutes! And it traveled for 50 miles I think it went thru 11 towns but I may be wrong on that. One person killed, Which by the way there hadn’t been a Tornado death in New Hampshire since 1893 when 3 were killed. Anyway I hope All is Well with You up there!