What Causes Derailments In Model Trains - Lionel Trains
Frank Keenan
November 27, 2008
This is a pretty common problem with railroaders, no matter how experienced they may be. It can be quite an annoying problem as well if it happens often, but it is fixable. There is no doubt that derailments will happen especially in the designing stages of your track layout, it will even happen with excessive speed on occasion.
Its when it happens constantly in the one spot that there is a problem. This means something very specific is wrong.
If regular derailments keep happening in the same spot and you are about to rip your hair out, don't stress just yet. You first need to determine exactly where its happening. If it happens that your train derails on a curve, don't just assume the curve is too extreme. It could be that the wheels could be hitting something on the track.
Take all the cars off the locomotive and run it without any excess. If it still derails. If it runs ok, add more cars to see if its one of them that is the problem. Check the track thoroughly as well.
If your track is uneven, this will also cause the train to constantly derail. This could lead to bumps and loose bits of track that will knock your train off its tracks. This happens when you are using tables and the connection between the two table is not even.
Also make sure that the switches are running properly. You may just need to clean the rails and the frog. Even the smallest tiniest bit of dirt in just the right, or wrong spot will derail your train every time.
Frank Keenan is an avid train collector and is the founder of LionelManuals.com.
If you want to learn model trains repair and restoration, visit LionelManuals to discover the easiest and step by step approach to repair, restore and service your lionel train even if you've no experience before.
Claim your own exclusive lionel model trains repair course with over 2000 pages and illustrations. Learn how to work with lionel train parts and download free vintage catalogs from 1902-1986.
These lionel service manuals collection will teach you how to repair ho trains, O gauge trains and prewar and postwar models
Here is what is covered:
hobby trains
model railroad trains
toy trains lionel
lionel train set
lionel train repair
lionel train catalog/A>
Learn the secrets of the antique lionel trains repair with Lionel Manuals.com today.
Its when it happens constantly in the one spot that there is a problem. This means something very specific is wrong.
If regular derailments keep happening in the same spot and you are about to rip your hair out, don't stress just yet. You first need to determine exactly where its happening. If it happens that your train derails on a curve, don't just assume the curve is too extreme. It could be that the wheels could be hitting something on the track.
Take all the cars off the locomotive and run it without any excess. If it still derails. If it runs ok, add more cars to see if its one of them that is the problem. Check the track thoroughly as well.
If your track is uneven, this will also cause the train to constantly derail. This could lead to bumps and loose bits of track that will knock your train off its tracks. This happens when you are using tables and the connection between the two table is not even.
Also make sure that the switches are running properly. You may just need to clean the rails and the frog. Even the smallest tiniest bit of dirt in just the right, or wrong spot will derail your train every time.
Frank Keenan is an avid train collector and is the founder of LionelManuals.com.
If you want to learn model trains repair and restoration, visit LionelManuals to discover the easiest and step by step approach to repair, restore and service your lionel train even if you've no experience before.
Claim your own exclusive lionel model trains repair course with over 2000 pages and illustrations. Learn how to work with lionel train parts and download free vintage catalogs from 1902-1986.
These lionel service manuals collection will teach you how to repair ho trains, O gauge trains and prewar and postwar models
Here is what is covered:
hobby trains
model railroad trains
toy trains lionel
lionel train set
lionel train repair
lionel train catalog/A>
Learn the secrets of the antique lionel trains repair with Lionel Manuals.com today.