Let's face it, model trains derail from time to time and it gets frustrating to most of us.
There are common factors that make derailments happen and there are also some steps to take to prevent derailments.
One sure thing though his that everyone loves a steady running model railroad.
So, to ensure a smooth running model railway, here are some easy steps to take.
1.
Joint stability Make sure that all the joints on the track is properly fitted, aligned and levelled.
One of the primary reasons a train derails is because of the poorly assembled joints in the track.
To check for a good track, run your fingers along the track making sure to feel that all joints and gaps are kept at a minimum.
Some solder their joints to do away with expansion and contraction factors.
Another way to go is to file the joints to a good level to keep it smooth and nice for your model train.
2.
Track Gauge Take note of the track gauge.
Make sure that it's not too high as tight gauges can make the wheels climb up and derail.
A wide gauge will also increase chances of derailment because the flanges won't be able to span the track properly.
As a fix, some people use a soldering iron to heat and move the rail to its proper position then allow it to cool before using it again.
3.
Sharp Switch points Most new switch points can be blunt making it garb on the wheels and cause a derailment.
To remedy this, use a file to sharpen and smooth the movable switchpoint parts to allow a smoother transition.
Always recheck the gauge after any adjustments.
4.
Train Couplers Couplers that snag also cause derailments.
Some model train sets come with unpolished couplers letting it catch and cause the derailment.
Use the manufacturer's guide to properly center the coupling.
5.
Add weights to cars Some cars may be too light for their own good and this causes their wheels to unequally contact the rails.
By simply adding the cars some weight, better traction is achieved; minimizing derailments.
6.
Wheel Sets proper Operation A wheel set that's out of gauge, not aligned properly or freely moving can cause a derailment.
Take a look at your wheel sets to make sure that the carriages are not crabbing your wheels into the rail.
The cars should be able to rock freely to be able to take on some track imperfections.
7.
Squeak out Like any mechanical device, a squeaking sound should not be welcome.
A dab of oil can get rid of the squeaking to prevent chances of derailment.
Make sure to clean up afterwards though as oil will most definitely attract dirt and may damage the train's paint and it could get caught up in the mechanical parts.
These are but a few tricks to minimize train derailments.
There are more tricks out there and feel free to comment or update me about any new tips.