Derailment Of Model Trains: Finding The Culprit

Model train derailments are one of those tiny problems that can turn out to be very annoying.  Figuring out the main source of the derailment can also be very difficult and frustrating if several divisions of the tracks get affected.  Dirt or dusts is one factor that can cause derailments and cleaning tracks, engines and cars is one easy way to sort out derailment issues by way of elimination process.  After cleaning what needs to be cleaned, run your model train again and if the derailment doesn’t occur anymore, then the derailment was most likely caused by dirty bits and pieces.

If the model train still derail, there is perhaps a much deeper cause mainly if it happens in one portion and pinpointing the problem may need further thorough investigation.  Aside from the way tracks are placed, other factors to bear in mind are the sceneries and the locomotives and cars.  You have to be open-minded to be able to consider all possibilities as the spot where the derailment happens may not at all times 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 thoroughly inspected.  Nails should have a tight fit on where they rest and loose ones should be examined right away and tweaked if required. 

In some occasions, addition of cars and wagons can also bring about model train derailments.  Run the model locomotive on its own without the cars and wagons.  If the locomotive derails in a particular track section, then the track’s positioning or alignment might be the culprit.  Meticulously look at or measure the track’s degree angle because it could be slanted in a particular angle which your locomotive can’t handle 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 locomotive’s axle count and also how many cars can be connected to the locomotive.  usually require a 22 degree curve radius and going below that would most likely cause derailment at every pass.  The number of extension cars and cabs should also be considered since centripetal force and inertia could be factors in derailment especially in tight turns at fast speeds.  Other unplanned flaws like bumps or dips should also be sorted as these could deliver imbalance and tilting. 

If there’s no problem with the position of the tracks, each cars and wagons should be checked thoroughly especially their couplers, axles and wheels.  Low-mounted couplers should be elevated and all wheels should easily turn.  The width of the track should also determine the width of the wheels.  If there is one or several wheel or coupling that is loose or tight, the basic solution is to re-mount them.  If re-mounting doesn’t solve the problem, replacing them is the only alternative left.  Once more, always clean everything that are meant to move.

Given that derailment problems can be because of lots of causes, it is important to be patient and diligent towards determining it and fixing it.  Model train enthusiasts should have technical skills to enable to work out any problem that might come up and every customisation and repair accomplished is just one of the various satisfactions model train hobby brings.

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