train derails at switch

• train derails at switch
  Posted by 36 steamer on 05 Aug, 2013 10:14
• I am using the 5122 and 5121 switches and the engine keeps jumping track at the switch locations. it seems like the engine is bouncing over the switch. I am new to the hobby so any and all help is appreciated. thank you.
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• #1 Reply
  Posted by Jasper Huxley on 05 Aug, 2013 10:46
• What locomotive are you using and how well used are the switches in question?
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• #2 Reply
  Posted by 36 steamer on 05 Aug, 2013 12:53
• the switches are brand new and the engine is at least or close to 70 years old.
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• #3 Reply
  Posted by djacobsen on 05 Aug, 2013 13:53
• Which engine are you operating that is having the problem?
  Post War Model?
  Pre War Model?
  Are you using Tubular or Fast Track?
  
  Dave
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• #4 Reply
  Posted by 36 steamer on 05 Aug, 2013 14:54
• dave I have absolutely no idea on the track. the engine model is 1654 if that helps. the track is from the 40s and the switches are new.
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• #5 Reply
  Posted by 36 steamer on 05 Aug, 2013 15:01
• I am told it is standard 027 track.
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• #6 Reply
  Posted by djacobsen on 05 Aug, 2013 20:33
• Your 1654 was produced in 1946 or 47. 
  They're commonly called a "Scout",  but the Scout locomotive was not introduced until 1948.
  
  Your 5121 & 22 switches are O27 switches, here's the manual for them:
  
  http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/70-5121-250.pdf
  These are supposed to be "non-derailing" switches.
  
  I'm going out on a limb and guessing that the problem is
  that your switches may not be opening or closing completely.
  Are you certain they're getting the correct 8 - 14 Volts AC?
  
  Does your 1654 derail in both directions(CW/CCW)?
  
  Does it derail at the Points or another area of the switch?
  
  Have you checked the gauge of your wheels, both pilot & drive wheels?
  Are any of the drive wheels bent?
  
  Dave
  
  
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• #7 Reply
  Posted by 36 steamer on 07 Aug, 2013 09:27
• thank you for the reply dave. how does one check the gauge of the wheels? I will check voltage with a multimeter. it just derails at the switches, both directions. thank you so much for your help.
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• #8 Reply
  Posted by djacobsen on 22 Aug, 2013 12:17
• 36 Steamer,
  sorry for not getting an answer to you sooner, I've been off wandering around on vacation for the past couple of weeks without my computer.
  
  Using a caliper, measure the inside to inside distance of the outer rails on 3 rail track, then measure your wheels on your train at the flanges, the flanges should be fractionally closer together than the distance between the inside of the the outer rails. If the distance between the wheel flanges is too narrow or too wide it will cause your train to derail.
  I believe that you can purchase a wheelset/track gauge to check with if you don't have a caliper.
  
  Dave
  
  
  
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