| Train derailments are a common problem for model | | | | can knock the train off the track. In this case the |
| railroaders - and one of the most annoying. It's one | | | | solution is straightforward - adjusting the coupler with |
| thing to have a derailment during design and | | | | plastic shims or washers is usually enough to solve the |
| construction of your railroad. Even the occasional | | | | problem. |
| derailment from excessive speed or other | | | | Trucks can also cause problems, although it is pretty |
| unforseeable causes is understandable. When it | | | | rare. If this is the case, it's usually the screw holding the |
| happens at the same place on a regular basis, | | | | truck in place - it may be too tight and need to be |
| however, there is probably something specific causing | | | | backed off a little. |
| it. | | | | Uneven surface on your layout can cause bumps or |
| If you're seeing regular derailments on your layout, the | | | | rises in your track, leading to derailments, as can rails |
| first step is to determine where it's happening and | | | | that aren't properly secured. You sometimes run into |
| whether it happens to all your cars or just specific | | | | this problem where two tables connect. They need to |
| cars and locomotives. | | | | be level and securely connected to one another to |
| If the derailment is happening on a curve, don't | | | | prevent problems. |
| automatically assume the design of the curve is at | | | | Switches are another common problem spot with the |
| fault. The train wheels could be jumping on the head of | | | | rails themselves. If you think this may be the case, |
| a nail, for example, that causes it to rock then derail. | | | | make sure that the frog and guide rails are clean and |
| It could also be a problem with a particular wheel on | | | | work smoothly. Even a little bit of dirt can cause |
| the train or another part of the car. Troubleshoot the | | | | problems. |
| problem with just a locomotive first, then add specific | | | | When testing a switch, it can help to run a spare truck |
| cars to see one in particular causes the problem. | | | | across the switch by hand to see if you can feel any |
| Couplers are another possible cause. If they're too low | | | | instability. |
| to clear switch points or other parts of the track, this | | | | |