Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Trains Uncoupling
Denise asks readers:
"How do I keep my HO trains from uncoupling? Also how can he keep the cars from jumping the track?"
Add your answer below.
2
Comments, Feedback or Answer:
Anonymous
said...
There are several causes for couplers to do what you are seeing. 1) The coupler spring is broken or gone, so it will not center correctly. 2) The coupler spring is pinched between the box it is sitting in and the cover (centering problem again). 3) If the coupler is in its box correctly and does not move freely side to side then the cover may be fastened down too tight and is pinching the coupler. 4) The height of the coupler is too high or too low. The wheel problem you mentioned will also contribute to this. To check these conditions purchase a NMRA Track gauge. The gauge has locations to check the wheel spacing as well as the track spacing and several other features for the gauge/scale (e.g. HO, N etc.) that you are running. Also Kadee products have a wonderful coupler height gauge that I use. As it has been within the last 6 months where I have started to try to run the rolling stock that was my fathers and mine from 40+ years ago and watched the same conditions that you are seeing (cars un-coupling, jumping the track etc. the same as 40 years ago and these were quality box cars not cheap ones) that I am now going through each one and replacing the couplers (with Kadee or similar quality knuckle couplers) and metal wheels (if you do this gauge the wheels before installing them they are not always correct out of the box). The first 10 that I have fixed have been fantastic no more problems (forward or backward). Lastly also check the track for wide or narrow spots and clearances at guard rails. I Hope this helps.
At what age did you begin working on your first layout?
Online Model Train Club Helpful Resource
Club members access helpful new resorces each month
Model Train Help Ebook
Click on my ebook (above) for more tips and ideas for model railroads and model trains.
Model Train Videos
You Can Access 42 Amateur Model Railroad Videos Featuring … Detailed Scenery & Layouts, Step-By-Step Tutorials, Quick Tips, Solutions To Problems… and Lots Of Inspirational Model Railroading Ideas!
Are you experienced enough in the hobby to give advice to beginners?
If you answered YES, and you think you might be capable of suggesting an idea for their layout, a quick tip or two... or perhaps a little bit of good advice based on your experiences in the hobby go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-tips.html
Use the comments link below each posting to add your comments and answer questions to help others in the hobby. It only takes about 2 minutes to register and participate. Easy!
2 Comments, Feedback or Answer:
There are several causes for couplers to do what you are seeing. 1) The coupler spring is broken or gone, so it will not center correctly. 2) The coupler spring is pinched between the box it is sitting in and the cover (centering problem again). 3) If the coupler is in its box correctly and does not move freely side to side then the cover may be fastened down too tight and is pinching the coupler. 4) The height of the coupler is too high or too low. The wheel problem you mentioned will also contribute to this. To check these conditions purchase a NMRA Track gauge. The gauge has locations to check the wheel spacing as well as the track spacing and several other features for the gauge/scale (e.g. HO, N etc.) that you are running. Also Kadee products have a wonderful coupler height gauge that I use. As it has been within the last 6 months where I have started to try to run the rolling stock that was my fathers and mine from 40+ years ago and watched the same conditions that you are seeing (cars un-coupling, jumping the track etc. the same as 40 years ago and these were quality box cars not cheap ones) that I am now going through each one and replacing the couplers (with Kadee or similar quality knuckle couplers) and metal wheels (if you do this gauge the wheels before installing them they are not always correct out of the box). The first 10 that I have fixed have been fantastic no more problems (forward or backward). Lastly also check the track for wide or narrow spots and clearances at guard rails. I Hope this helps.
My first question is. What couplers you useing?
What kind of wheel sets you useing?
What kind of yrack you using?
Post a Comment