| Are you frustrated because your model trains | | | | to allow a nice smooth transition. Remember to |
| derail from time to time? This was a major | | | | check the gauge in both positions. |
| frustration for me. I would fix one section of the | | | | Check all your model train couplers. |
| track and the next day the train would derail on | | | | A snagging coupler will cause model train |
| another section. It frustrated me to the point of | | | | derailments. Some new carriages can come with |
| wanting to give the hobby away. | | | | unpolished couplers which can catch and force |
| A smooth running model train is a dream for | | | | derailments. Clean off any rough edges and adjust |
| most model train beginners. But it is actually quite | | | | the couplers for proper centering. The |
| easy to achieve with a little attention to detail. | | | | manufacturers usually provide these instructions. |
| Here are 7 ways to stop your model train | | | | Add extra weight to your freight cars. |
| derailing: | | | | I find that most freight cars are too light and |
| Ensure every joint on your track is level, aligned | | | | sometimes all the wheels do not contact the rails |
| and properly fitted. | | | | equally. By adding a small amount of weight to the |
| Sounds like common sense? But poorly assembled | | | | cars your model train will run smoother and you |
| track joints are the worst offenders for derailing | | | | will eliminate derailments, especially on the tight |
| model trains. Slide your finger across the joint. It | | | | radiuses. Just make sure you add the weight as |
| should feel level with the gap between the tracks | | | | low as possible to the car and in the centre, |
| kept to the absolute minimum. I solder my joints | | | | keeping a low centre of gravity. |
| because this stops any problems with expansion | | | | Check all your wheel sets for proper operation. |
| and contraction opening and closing of the joints. | | | | Wheel sets that are out of gauge, not aligned or |
| With a small file I am able to create a | | | | moving freely will cause your model train to derail. |
| continuously level track and have a beautifully | | | | Check your wheel sets and make sure that your |
| smooth running model train. | | | | carriages are not crabbing and forcing the wheel |
| Check your track gauge on joints, turnouts and | | | | flanges into the rail, making it prone to derail. The |
| frog assemblies. | | | | carriages should rock freely to take up any small |
| Another common problem for model train | | | | imperfections in your track. |
| derailments is incorrect track gauge. A tight track | | | | Lubricate the squeaks. |
| gauge will cause the wheels to climb up and derail | | | | Sometimes the smallest drop of light oil will cure a |
| off the track. A wide track gauge will also derail | | | | problem with your model train derailing. An |
| your model train as the wheel flanges can not | | | | unlubricated or snaggy wheel, or coupler, can |
| span the track properly. The gauge can be | | | | cause a slight tip over, or jar, which usually forces |
| adjusted using a soldering iron to gently heat the | | | | the wheel flange to snag the rail and derail your |
| rail, moving the rail to the correct position and | | | | model train. Oil attracts dust and can damage |
| allowing it to cool. | | | | paintwork, so make sure you use only the |
| Check your switch points for sharpness when | | | | smallest amount required. |
| they switch. | | | | Now you have no reason to put up with your |
| Some new switch points can be fairly blunt on the | | | | model train derailing. It usually comes down to a |
| moveable section where it strikes up against the | | | | small bit of maintenance from time to time. With |
| stock rails. This can grab on the wheels and cause | | | | the quality most manufacturers are producing |
| a model train derailment. A small file can be used | | | | today, and some ongoing maintenance, you can |
| to gently smooth the moveable part of the points | | | | make model train derailments a thing of the past. |