03-03-2009, 10:45 AM
Hi Rob,
I have a couple of those, and used to run them on 18" R Atlas snap track and snap switches. Always had derailments - when I checked, every single wheelset was gauged too narrow. Swapped out with some replacements (Proto 2000 36" I think), and no more troubles.
You might want to remove one truck and run it around the track to see if the wheelbase is really the problem. There is a bit of side to side play in the truck for the wheelsets, so I'd be surprised if that is the problem. If it is, you could find "blind" wheelsets (i.e. no flanges) for the centres. I'd try Northwest Shortline first - <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.nwsl.com">http://www.nwsl.com</a><!-- m --> - although I am not 100% sure they have them.
Second, take a look at the coupler as you move the truck around the track. If it moves significantly to the left or right of the centre line when rounding the curve, that may be the problem. In that case, you can make the modification(s) suggested above - either creating a swinging coupler box, or go to body mounted.
Hope that helps,
Andrew
I have a couple of those, and used to run them on 18" R Atlas snap track and snap switches. Always had derailments - when I checked, every single wheelset was gauged too narrow. Swapped out with some replacements (Proto 2000 36" I think), and no more troubles.
You might want to remove one truck and run it around the track to see if the wheelbase is really the problem. There is a bit of side to side play in the truck for the wheelsets, so I'd be surprised if that is the problem. If it is, you could find "blind" wheelsets (i.e. no flanges) for the centres. I'd try Northwest Shortline first - <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.nwsl.com">http://www.nwsl.com</a><!-- m --> - although I am not 100% sure they have them.
Second, take a look at the coupler as you move the truck around the track. If it moves significantly to the left or right of the centre line when rounding the curve, that may be the problem. In that case, you can make the modification(s) suggested above - either creating a swinging coupler box, or go to body mounted.
Hope that helps,
Andrew