Derailing

[brassnut]

Hi all how can I stop derailing at the chage overs the frogs are a problem for me

[Joe Keegan]

A picture would help of the point/trackwork 

 

[murrayec]

2 hours ago, brassnut said:

Hi all how can I stop derailing at the chage overs the frogs are a problem for me

If your using Hornby points this link may be helpful;-

Peco points are better, the air gap in the frog is smaller and the check rail is in a slightly better position, but small wheels can still be a problem!

Eoin

[WRENNEIRE]

What is derailing?
Locos coaches wagons?
Is it just one item or does everything derail?
Back to back measurements might help
But as Eoin says if its Hornby points its a common problem

[brassnut]

I did all locomotives and carriages yesterday back to back gauge 

But still derailing I forget if there hornby or peco

[Mayner]

 

You are likely to get derailments if the transverse or cross-level across the blades and crossing of a point are not absolutely level.

You can check the baseboard with a spirit level or the actual point with a small boat or torpedo level. https://www.stabila.com/en-US/products-553/list/torpedo-and-pocket-spirit-levels.html

[David Holman]

As others are saying, if the back to back measurements are consistent, then most likely the problem is the point itself. A single wagon might have a twisted chassis, so check if it rocks when on a known flat surface. If it is just one point, not all of them, then it might not have been laid flat, which as Mayner says will upset everything.

 Problems with running have to be dealt with by a process of elimination. Note where any faults are and record the stock which has problems. Same with areas of trackwork. Eventually you will isolate the problem(s) and be able to take appropriate action. Being methodical is really important.

[brassnut]

Ye are all very kind 

I will check today if there hornby I really need some body that could see there way to help me in my home on the track as I'm unable to do so myself thanks for your kindness brassnut..

[WRENNEIRE]

Where are you based Brasser, might be someone local that might be able to drop by?

[brassnut]

South county Dublin firhouse oldbawn area d24

[WRENNEIRE]

Some lads from the SDMRC on this forum, hopefully one should contact you
Over the 5km for me but if nothing bad happens before the end of level 5 I might wander over that far
Hate crossing the Liffey!!!

[brassnut]

Ahh thanks I be grateful for any assistance I'm not much with it I'm still learning 

[DART8118]

Brassnut,  I'm not very good at troubleshooting but I think there are still some things that, if you clarify them, folks on here will have very good advice for you.  So, 

Did this derailment just suddenly happen or has it been building up for some time?

Is it happening on just one point or does it happen on others as well?

Is derailment happening when the point is set for straight running or when it is set for turnout?

Is derailment happening on a point in a section of straight track or in a section of curved track?

Joe Keegan asked for photographs.  Any chance of some close up shots?

Wrenneire asked what is derailing, so, is it locos, or coaches, or wagons?

Is it just one item or do many items derail? 

Do the items derail when going forward and/or when going in reverse?

8118

 

 

[brassnut]

Ahh on straight. 

On curves 

On cross overs.

I'm useless at trying to explain. 

In detail..

Hopefully ye can understand my difficulties 

As I'm having trouble trying to figure out 

Thanks for all help brassnut 

[irishthump]

2 hours ago, brassnut said:

Ahh on straight. 

On curves 

On cross overs.

I'm useless at trying to explain. 

In detail..

Hopefully ye can understand my difficulties 

As I'm having trouble trying to figure out 

Thanks for all help brassnut 

The frog on that point seems to be worn down to nothing! Pull out the whole point and replace it with a PECO one and all should be fine.

[Rob]

That point looks like it has seen better days as Irishthump said.     

Put simply, If all your rolling stock derail at the same spot, then it is most likely the track.

If they derail all around the place, more likely to be connected to the rolling stock.

PECO points are generally thought to be best around so that is great advice above to replace the points with one of them.

Have a trial of that and see does that help as there are few things in life as annoying as a derailing layout!

Best of luck.

Edited November 11, 2020 by Rob

[brassnut]

All track only two year old strange. 

But looking at the photos 

I can see the wear certainly 

Will try get better pictures tomorrow thanks Tony 

[murrayec]

@brassnut Is that not dirt in the frog? I would try and clean it up with track cleaner and a toothbrush, also take a look at your wheels on stock and locos to see if they need a clean...

Eoin

 

[David Holman]

Eoin may well be right and it is even possible that the crossing vee (frog) is out of alignment. My own track is soldered/handmade and  test runs quickly show where crud has been left behind.

 As for wheel cleaning, locos certainly need this doing on a regular basis. At exhibitions (remember those), at the start of each day, but depending on the atmosphere, two or three times during the day in some places. Therefore, the same applies to home layouts. Rolling stock often gets ignored, because there is a lot more of it, but would suggest that a couple of times a year, assuming regular use, all wheels are cleaned. Not only will running improve, but any dirt on the wheels will not be spread back to the locos.

 And while I'm here, abrasive cleaners should be avoided like the plague, unless there is hardened paint to remove. They put micro scratches on the rail surface, which encourages sparking which equals dirt. Better to use a solvent like isopropyl alcohol, meths, lighter fluid, potchine(!) etc.