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Problem with Cars Derailing On Turnouts
Lana posted this question. To view the answers, or submit an answer, just click on ‘Comments’ under this post.
“My cars sometimes derail on my ez Bachmann track turnout. The problem doesn’t happen every time. Often the engine loco follows the set switch direction but a car behind travels up the switch curve. What’s causing this please?”
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Quick Model Railroading Tips Sent In By Readers
Gavin sent in this model railroading tip:
“I use small nails and heat them up and put them into the base of the trees. I can also change out my trees for different seasons as my layout changes from Spring to Fall and then winter.”
Dave contributed this tip:
“If the small part does make it to the floor, use a vacuum cleaner with a nylon stocking taped over the end to find it. The nylon will prevent the part from being eaten by the vacuum.”
You can post a comment on these model railroading tips by using the COMMENTS link below.
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When You Need To Super-Elevate Track For Trains Moving Through A Curve At Speed
Super-elevation on real railroads is when the outer rail of the track is elevated so as to compensate the centrifugal forces that happen when a train passes through a curve at speed. Sound complicated? Let me explain it another way.
Super elevation is basically the difference in elevation (height) between the two edges of railway track (or a road). It is normally seen where the railroad (or road) has a curve; raising the outer rail (or the outer edge of the road) to provide a banked turn. This allows a train (or vehicle on a road) to traverse the curve at a higher speed than would otherwise be possible.
Having such a system neutralizes the effect of lateral force. It provides better load distribution on the two rails and reduces wear and tear of rails and rolling stock. In addition it provides smooth running of trains (and more comfort for passengers), and if designed and operated correctly, should result in fewer derailments.
However, excessive elevation in curves can increase the risk of derailment. When running significantly under balance speed, or operating on over-elevated curves, a significant portion of the vertical weight of the car is transferred to the low rail. The wheels can lift off the higher rail.
The following diagram provides a good perspective on the process of super elevation on a real railroad. Super-elevation should happen gradually as the train proceeds over the length of the track entering the curve (entry easement). Maximum super elevation would be reached when the train is into the curve. The train would then ease back down to level as it comes out of the curve and proceeds along the length of track exiting the curve (exit easement). Following this process, the train is able to stay at speed whilst navigating the entire curve.
A smooth transition from a tangent to curve
That’s how the system works in the real world, so modeling the same process on a model railroad makes sense as it will add impressive realism to train operations.
Unfortunately it is something that is often over-looked at the planning stage, or put in the “too hard basket” during construction. Fact is; the process is not that difficult.
The way most hobbyists tackle it is to use strips of basswood, or something similar, and lay a series of splines along the outer curve edge. Sanding the transition into the super elevation can be somewhat time-consuming, so the following should help to simplify the process.
How To Prevent Dull Solder
Erin D asks readers:
“I am new to soldering and wondered why my solder finish is kinda dull and even a bit grainy in appearance. Is that how it should be or am I doing something wrong?”
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Adding Weight To Tank and Passenger Cars
Online Model Train Club Member Larry has this question:
“I saw somewhere something a while ago about the weight of HO cars and I can’t remember if they said they need extra weight added? That’s okay for flat cars or box cars because you can add a load and disguise the weights. I wondered how to weigh down a tank or passenger car? How much weight would I need to add?”
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Members Heartbroken By Loss Of Their Life’s Work on Club Layout Destroyed By Senseless Vandalism
Bill Sowerby, exhibition manager of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club in the UK is seen here clutching one of the damaged structures.
Four teenage boys have been arrested, and bailed, following the vandalism at the Market Deeping Model Railway Club. Well-wishers and fellow model train enthusiasts have already donated over £80,000 in just two days. Sir Rod Stewart who said he “feels the club’s pain” donated £10,000. Fellow model train enthusiast Pete Waterman who also generously donated said members’ had “lost their life’s work” and that they would be “heartbroken” by damage.
Read the full story at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7052557/Police-arrest-four-teenage-boys-model-railway-wrecking-spree.html
Rod Stewart donates £10k to model railway enthusiasts after shock vandal attack
Well done Rod Stewart.
Rod Stewart donates £10k to model railway enthusiasts after shock vandal attack
Switch Wiring Question
Ren T models in N scale and asks:
“Can I wire a red & green LED signal status light to DC Bachmann turnout control switch? I want a green light for mainline direction and and a red light when the switch is not in position to direct trains off the mainline?”
Send in your question for publication. There is a link below.
View the comments, or add a comment to Ren’switch wiring question. There is a link for that below too.
Should I use Code 75 or Code 100 Rails?
Should I use Code 75 or Code 100 Rails
Jacob from Ispwich in the UK wants to know:
“I am planning for OO gauge which I read is like HO overseas and want to know if I should go for code 100 or perhaps code 75 rails? Not sure?”
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Correct Flange Distance?
Online Model Train Club member Roger S asks readers:
“What would be the right distance between truck flanges in N scale?”
Submit your answer, or view the answers to Rogers question on flange distances by clicking the COMMENTS link underneath.
Submit your own question to the Blog Moderator for publication by using one of the many ASK A QUESTION links.
Adding A Residential Street Scene To Your Layout
The modelbuildings.org site has a range of plans for making a residential street scene including 3D UK and USA style houses as well as a range of space saving scale model houses in low relief for positioning against your backdrop.
The feedback on these 8 scale model houses has been excellent with many readers telling their friends about them. The designer of these 8 plans certainly spent considerable time perfecting the accurate and intricate details… and it shows.
The 8 scale model house plans are available now for 70% off the individual listed price.
Verandas and posts can easily be made using balsa wood and then be painted. You can print out extra windows and doors and glue then behind cut out doors and windows to give an added 3D effect, or you can cut out 3 sides of a door or window and leave it slightly open… again adding to the 3D realism. Ground cover is obviously not included, but most in the hobby will want to do this themselves anyway.
LED Electronic Resistors
LED Electronic Resistors
Andy G asks this:
“I have a few 3 volt street lights (LED) that came with separate resistors. Does anyone know how to wire resistors to lights? Thanks in advance.”
Send in your question by clicking on the ASK A QUESTION tag below.
Isolating Heisler Drive Line
John has thus question:
“I have an HO brass Heisler and need to isolate the drive line. It consists of a square brass tube and a square rod smaller than the inside of the tube. I can’t seem to find anything to allow the slide and keep it insulated. Any suggestions please?”
Removing Shells From Engine For Repairing Inside
Micky sent in this query:
“Is there an easy way or are there any clever tricks for removing engine shells. I want to do some repairs on two locomotives? The shells are only plastic and I want to avoid any damage.”
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To comment on Micky’s question about removing engine shells, simply click the COMMENTS link below.
Chassis for Shell
John has this question:
“I have just purchased a nicely detailed new (old stock) HO Athearn GP7 GP9 shell. I would like to pair it with a powered dual flywheel chassis. Does anyone have advice on a brand and model that will work? I have not received it yet so I don’t know the dimensions. Thanks.”
Fitting HP0587 Undercarriage to Engine Chassis
Ranjay models HO scale and asks:
“Hi, I purchased HP0587 from aliexpress. Now, clueless how to fix it to engine chassis as the undercarriage does not have any screw/nut or slot to do this. Plese help me on this if someone has got any ideas/experience”
Add your comments below.
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