This was so frustrating for me. I would fix one section of the track and the day after it would derail on another section of the track and i would have to fix that section.
It frustrated me so much that i was actually thinking of giving up on this hobby!
Most beginners do not have a smooth running model train. But it is actually fairly easy to achieve by paying more attention to detail.
I have listed 7 ways to stop your model train from derailing:
1.Make sure every joint on your track is level, aligned and properly connected.
Does that make sense?Poorly assembled track joints are the are the most common reason for the derailing model trains.
To make sure your track is level, simply slide your finger across the joint. It should feel level with as little gap between the tracks as possible. Solder the joints stops any problems with expansion and contraction opening and closing of the joints.
Using a small file allows you to create a continuously leveled track which will help your track run smoothly.
2 - Check your track gauge on joints, turnouts and frog assemblies.
Incorrect track guage is another common reason why trains derail.The wheels tend to climb up and derail off the track when the track guage is too tight.
Model trains will also derail if your track guage is too wide because the wheel flanges can not span the track properly.
You can adjust the guage using a soldering iron.Gently heat the rail and move the rail to its correct position and then let it cool.
3 - Check your switch points for sharpness when they switch.
Some new switch points can be fairly blunt on the movable section where it strikes up against the stock rails. This sometimes grabs onto the wheels and causes them to derail.
You can use a small file to gently smooth the moveable part of the points to allow a nice smooth transition. Be sure to check the gauge in both positions.
4 - Check all your model train couplers.
Snagging couplers also cause model trains to derail. New carriage couplers are not always polished and this can cause your train to go off the track.
Clean off any rough edges and make sure the couplers are properly centered.Instructions on how to do this is usually provided by the manufacturer.
5. Add extra weight to your freight cars.
Because most freight cars are light, the wheels do not always contact the rails equally.Adding a a little extra weight to the cars will help your train run smoother will decrease or stop your trains from derailing.
Make sure you add the weight in the centre and as low as possible, keeping a low center of gravity.
6. Check all your wheel sets and make sure they are working properly.
The carriages should rock freely to take up any small imperfections in your track.
Wheel sets that are out of gauge, not aligned or moving freely will cause your model train to derail.
By check your wheel sets and making sure that your carriages are not crabbing and forcing the wheel flanges into the rail will make your trains run smoother and derail less.
Carriages should rock freely to take up any small imperfections in your track.
7. Lubricate the squeaks.
Applying a drop of light oil will sometimes fix a problem with your model train derailing. Unlubricated or snaggy wheel, or coupler, can cause a slight tip over, which sometimes forces the wheel flange to snag the rail off the track.
Use as little oil as possible because oil attracks dust which can damage the paintwork.
Now you no longer have a reason to put up with your model train derailing.
It comes down to a bit of maintenance from time to time. With todays quality manufacturered products, and ongoing maintenance, you can make model train derailments a thing of the past.
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