Derailment Of Model Trains: Finding The Culprit

Model train derailments are one of those minor drawbacks that can become very annoying. Finding the cause of it can also be a time consuming and frustrating task particularly when more than one section of the track encounters it. Dirt or dusts is one factor that can cause derailments and cleaning tracks, engines and cars is one easy way to resolve derailment issues by way of elimination process. When the derailment stops after cleaning, then cleaning did the job and you don’t have to worry about it any longer.

If the model train still derail, the problem could already be the arrangement or technical particularly if it happens in one section and pinpointing the problem may require a more careful investigation. Aside from the arrangement and positioning of the tracks, other factors to consider are the sceneries and the locomotives and cars. It is important to consider all possibilities in this kind of situation as the spot where the occurrence of the derailment may not always be the source of the problem.

Ensure that no small or big piece of sceneries are obstructing the tracks. Joints and nails of the tracks should also be carefully inspected. Make sure no nail heads are peeking up even if it’s only slight and make sure that no nail has a loose fit.

The cars and wagons that trail the locomotive can also cause derailments in some cases. Run the model locomotive on its own without the cars and wagons. If the locomotive derails in just one section over and over, the placement of the track could be the problem. Level your sights along the specific track section because the angle could be in a slant which is too much for your locomotive especially if its wheels are non-magnetized. Another factor that could contribute to derailment is if the track is incompatibly curved for the model locomotive.

Potential derailments can be caused by tight track curves and it is also important to consider the number of axles in the model locomotive and also the limit of cars that can be connected to the locomotive. Model locomotives with six axles usually require a 22 degree curve radius and going much curvier would most likely derail the model train. The number of extension cars and cabs should also be considered since centripetal force and inertia could be factors in derailment specially when the model train is going fast on tight turns. Other unintended inconsistencies like bumps or dips should also be sorted as these could deliver imbalance and tilting.

If the positioning of the tracks have no problems, check the cars and wagons and thoroughly examine each one especially their couplers, axles and wheels. Make sure the couplers are not mounted too low and all wheels should turn easily. The width of the wheels should also be properly set according to the track’s width. If there is one or several coupling or wheel that is loose or tight, re-mounting them maybe a care-free solution. If the problem with couplings and wheels keeps coming back, it might be time to replace them with new ones. Again, never forget to clean every wheel.

Since derailment problems can be because of a lot of causes, patience and diligence is vital towards zeroing-in on it and fixing it. Model train hobbyists should have technical skills to enable to work out any problem that might come up and every modification and repair accomplished is part of the satisfaction model trains bring.