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#Post#: 324--------------------------------------------------
train derails at switch
By: 36 steamer Date: August 5, 2013, 10:14 am
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I am using the 5122 and 5121 switches and the engine keeps
jumping track at the switch locations. it seems like the engine
is bouncing over the switch. I am new to the hobby so any and
all help is appreciated. thank you.
#Post#: 325--------------------------------------------------
Re: retrain derails at switch
By: Jasper Huxley Date: August 5, 2013, 10:46 am
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What locomotive are you using and how well used are the switches
in question?
#Post#: 328--------------------------------------------------
Re: retrain derails at switch
By: 36 steamer Date: August 5, 2013, 12:53 pm
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the switches are brand new and the engine is at least or close
to 70 years old.
#Post#: 330--------------------------------------------------
Re: retrain derails at switch
By: djacobsen Date: August 5, 2013, 1:53 pm
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Which engine are you operating that is having the problem?
Post War Model?
Pre War Model?
Are you using Tubular or Fast Track?
Dave
#Post#: 332--------------------------------------------------
Re: retrain derails at switch
By: 36 steamer Date: August 5, 2013, 2:54 pm
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dave I have absolutely no idea on the track. the engine model is
1654 if that helps. the track is from the 40s and the switches
are new.
#Post#: 333--------------------------------------------------
Re: retrain derails at switch
By: 36 steamer Date: August 5, 2013, 3:01 pm
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I am told it is standard 027 track.
#Post#: 334--------------------------------------------------
Re: retrain derails at switch
By: djacobsen Date: August 5, 2013, 8:33 pm
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Your 1654 was produced in 1946 or 47.
They're commonly called a "Scout", but the Scout locomotive was
not introduced until 1948.
Your 5121 & 22 switches are O27 switches, here's the manual for
them:
(HTM) http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/70-5121-250.pdf
These are supposed to be "non-derailing" switches.
I'm going out on a limb and guessing that the problem is
that your switches may not be opening or closing completely.
Are you certain they're getting the correct 8 - 14 Volts AC?
Does your 1654 derail in both directions(CW/CCW)?
Does it derail at the Points or another area of the switch?
Have you checked the gauge of your wheels, both pilot & drive
wheels?
Are any of the drive wheels bent?
Dave
#Post#: 335--------------------------------------------------
Re: train derails at switch
By: 36 steamer Date: August 7, 2013, 9:27 am
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thank you for the reply dave. how does one check the gauge of
the wheels? I will check voltage with a multimeter. it just
derails at the switches, both directions. thank you so much for
your help.
#Post#: 341--------------------------------------------------
Re: train derails at switch
By: djacobsen Date: August 22, 2013, 12:17 pm
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36 Steamer,
sorry for not getting an answer to you sooner, I've been off
wandering around on vacation for the past couple of weeks
without my computer.
Using a caliper, measure the inside to inside distance of the
outer rails on 3 rail track, then measure your wheels on your
train at the flanges, the flanges should be fractionally closer
together than the distance between the inside of the the outer
rails. If the distance between the wheel flanges is too narrow
or too wide it will cause your train to derail.
I believe that you can purchase a wheelset/track gauge to check
with if you don't have a caliper.
Dave
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