Ok, I have an Atlas SD35 that runs good but it goes through every one of my turnouts real rough. It hops around and looses power and what not. I have determined that the wheels are slightly out of gauge, the spacing is too narrow. Problem is I have no clue as to what to do about it. Can I get them back in gauge somehow or do I need to replace the wheels or what? Help?!
Oh, i should mention its an N scale locomotive. If that matters
Get yourself a NMRA gauge and you will be able to tell if they are out or not. You can fix the problem by removing the wheels and simply twisting the wheels in opposite directions on the axle until they are back in gauge. Its a very simple procedure to do but just go slow and keep checking them with the gauge. Most hobby shops carry them.
A very good sugestion. Plus, the NMRA gauge is simpy indespensible in the long run anyways. It’s probably the most usefull “specialty” tool in the hobby.
Magnus