Hi Ian, another problem solved! I’ve had a similar problem with the Peco Fish Van kits, quite good runners in general but there were a couple of points they didn’t like. So off I went to B&Q and bought a box of small bolts, screws and washers. After a while it was one small bolt in each van that cured the problem and I thought well done John! But then I realised that in a rake of wagons suddenly there were two or three of my loco’s couldn’t get round anymore without a real struggle because of the gradients and the weight of the fish vans, took a fish van out of the rake no problem 🤯. Another reason for why I am at with my own layout! It’s lots of little things that add up to the big decision’s! Another very informative and interesting video, cheers for now Ian, I’m just off for a ponder, John😁
Hi John! Yes, bring on the next annoying issue! Lol! I've got a couple of those Peco Fish Van kits to build! I've already built a couple of the Peco Mineral Wagon kits, and they run great, other than constantly decoupling when I run them up an incline - so maybe that's the next problem to solve? Lol! Yes, that's the only problem with adding weight - inclines! Hopefully on Exehaven Mk2, with reduced gradients, locos will be able to negotiate the whole circuit without problem - whatever they're pulling! Enjoy your ponder! All the best, Ian.
Thanks very much Chris! Haha! I've actually got a degree in computer science, but we didn't cover wagon weights as far as I remember! Lol! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian Another interesting bit of investigation, although I have thought for a while the Peco wagons are generally too light, the weights they use aren't heavy enough for some situations, your fix of adding 'loads' is a good, simple solution, as others have said though the fan of sidings would in reality use left hand points but we do what we want. Good luck and thanks.
Hi Peter! Thank you! Yes, the Peco wagons always seem a bit lighter than the Farish ones don't they? Yes, the fan of sidings was a way of reproducing the S curves for testing, and aren't supposed to represent anything prototypical! I'd wager that there are many layouts that have this configuration though!!! All the best, Ian.
this is actually very interesting, I have issues with derailments on my layout, using the same PECO set track points, the worst offenders being some old GF Mk III coaches which almost have a negative weight - though they cope with the points fine, but hate being pushed around the curves, even the 2nd radius curves - the wheels will climb on even the least track defect of which I have plenty. fine pulled though. I also have issues with points and both coaches and locomotives, this may also be something to watch out for - where the switch rails sit against the stock rail the do not always sit flush so when going over the points in the facing direction there is a very small lip the wheels need to get past - with some wheels the wheel flange profile copes with this, with some others it doesn't meaning one axle tends to climb - sometimes a bit of added mass helps, other times going slower helps (the wheel will "drop" back that way) and sometimes not much helps your track is clean, mine less so, this can also play a part. for the record though I do have a quartet of 15' wheelbase PECO wagons, these flat out hate being pushed over points, curves and on occasions straight track and I suspect the weight issue you have identified is a part of this. PECO have brought out some metal wheels - annoyingly looking hard to add resistors to though, and I wonder if these will help as they will weigh a little more. the slow motion side on video is interesting, you can see the wagon lead axle climbing over the curved stock rail on the outer side of the curve, I've observed the same, I suspect metal wheels are better here as the wheel and the flanges tend to be smoother - anecdotal evidence here is cleaner wheelsets perform better than dirty ones too. its also not just on S curves this can happen, I've observed the same on single points and on transitions from straight to curved track, though its usually lighter stock and stock with dirtier wheels that suffers. having seen this video I'm going to go back and be a bit more methodical in experimenting here :)
Good evening Dale! Your experiences are very interesting, and I hope adding a little weight will help your lighter stock take the curves and points - especially your negatively weighted Farish Mk3 coaches! Lol! I also suspect that adding metal wheels would help the issue, as although the plastic ones run quite freely as shown in the video, they have a slightly wider flange - do I mean flange? - that does occasionally seem to make the lead axle "jump" as you observed! The metal wheels would also add weight to the wagon as you rightly say! I must admit, I've only ever seen this behaviour on the double S curves! I'd be interested to know your findings if you decide to do some experimentation yourself! Thanks for watching, and for the great comment! All the best, Ian.
Evening Ian - as I was watching I kept saying to myself the wagons are too light ! Hey presto and your analytical skills prove it was indeed the weight. If you search the great Internet in the sky you'll find tiny weights that you can add to increase the weight of each wagon. As always a masterclass in delivery! Cheers Euan
Good evening Euan! and thank you! Haha! I always imagine old hands in the hobby tutting away as I bumble my way through these little investigations! I shall be looking for those tiny weights eventually, as I'm guessing that those copper screws weren't prototypical? Lol! All the best, Ian.
Another great video. Here in the US the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) has standards for the weight of the train wagons. Seems like there should be something similar in the UK.
Hi Andy! Yeah, I'd never heard of the NMRA standards for US wagon weights until Donald mentioned it earlier! I'm not aware of anything similar for UK wagons, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist! I shall do some research! Thanks for the suggestion! All the best, Ian.
Greetings, Shelfington, and hello Ian 👋 and there I was blaming the derailing pixies all these years 😳 You definitely have the patience and detective skills of Colombo 🔍😇 A great result 👍 and each wagon was rewarded with three screws 😲 Very best wishes from the Emerald Isle ☘️
Good evening Paul in the Emerald Isle! Haha! The derailing pixies must surely be responsible for some of the derailments! I like being compared to Colombo - probably my favourite TV detectives! :) I think it's called something like "Positive Reinforcement" when you reward your wagon with a screw every time it makes a successful pass over the curves! Lol! All the best from Shelfington, and Ian.
@@iansngauge Ive got some Railfreight wagons by Peco and now after seeing they are too lite i will probably add peices of cut up lead sheet under mine i recon. Im not actually sure what they used to move about in them so putting lead on the underside i guess they can still be empty 😂 👍
@@ThisWayWorksTWW - Just make sure you don't add too much weight! Those three copper screws weighed less than 2 grams, so you'll only need a tiny amount of lead! Yeah, who knows what those Railfreight wagons were mysteriously shifting around the country! Lol! Cheers, Ian.
@@ThisWayWorksTWW - Hmm! Good question! The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is that weight will add more drag making it more difficult to get around tight curves - but that's not a derailment issue obviously!
Thanks very much Stan! You'd think these little wagons would run straight out of the box wouldn't you? Who'd have thought just a couple of grams would make so much difference? All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian, interesting video and good to see you fixed it with the additional weight! I can’t say I’ve had many issues with derailments with my rolling stock even with my ST5/6 points. Only have a issue with a longer wheelbase Peco wagon and some Dapol wagons which was more to do with the couplings which I have still not managed to sort much to my frustration!! My issues with derailments comes more with locos but that’s another story!! Cheers Gary
Thanks Gary! I've only had problems with the ferry wagons shown in the video, as I think their wheelbase is an awkward length as well as them being terribly light! However, I've got an update to this video in the pipeline that shows that the set track points are probably the root the problem! I've not had any issues with locos derailing, although that may be more to do with them all being diesel rather than steamers! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian, A nice analysis again - I enjoyed watching this condensed investigation into cause and solution. It's good to know what the impact is from different compromises - it would seem that a combination of inclines and super-tight S-curves aren't compromises that can go together, if you want those kinds of wagons to be used over both. Thanks, Jonathan
Hi Jonathan! Thanks very much! Yes, there seems to be a balance between curves, gradients and weight of wagons that needs to be found before trying to run certain rakes of wagons! All the best, Ian.
I class my self as a learner too, but have seen many recommendations on avoiding back to back S curves by inserting small sections of straight track between. This seems to allow the wagons to track more evenly. 😊
Yes, breaking up the S curve with straight sections is a great idea, and will definitely work! However, if you've already laid your track and ballasted it, or if you've only got a small amount of space, and don't want to compromise the length of your sidings, then adding weight is a simple fix! Thanks for watching! All the best, Ian.
I wonder if when doing these reviews and things which use the S curve you could mention that it’s a bad track design so if someone is still designing a layout they can avoid it. I understand you may want to keep this layout so you have the S curve for testing - but if you used right hand points rather than left, with the “straight” side of the points on an angle, you would avoid the trouble, and have slightly longer sidings.
Hi Nathan! Well, to be honest, I'm not sure whether it's bad track design or not! I've certainly mentioned S curves before, and how they can be a problem on a layout! However, this type of situation can occur when having multiple passing loops, or if head shunts are added to the opposite end of a siding! I completely take the point (haha) that adding right hand points in this situation would ease the S curve, but it's not always possible to do this! As I said in the video, I suspect that many people already have this type of setup on their layouts, and adding weight to the wagons may solve derailment issues in their case without having to dig the track up! Thanks for watching! All the best, Ian.
Hi Colin! To be honest I'd not had a problem with smaller wagons until I started pushing these ferry wagons around! I'll definitely be investing in a bag of small weights to add to other wagons "just in case" though! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian, Well done for finding the weight issue, car wheel weights are good for this, then hide them with a load in each wagon. I do believe part of the problem is the short radius points, particularly after being ballasted, as they deteriorate and can cause all sorts of issues over time. Over the years and when I could, I replaced all of with long radius points and the problem has almost gone. However, some stock will still derail, inc locos, you cant always judge it. Co-co locos always struggle on short radius points. Eg class 47, 66. Strangely GF 37s always good. As you pointed out you have S curves on your sidings with left hand points. If you used right hand points on each sidings you would get rid of the s curves making it easier to negotiate. Hoping thats helpful
Hi John! Thank you! It took a while to go around the houses, but I found the problem eventually! Lol! I'll definitely be investing in some car wheel weights - thanks for the tip! I've been trying to get my hands on a 37/47/50 for a while, but there seems to be a dearth of them out there - or at least in the configuration I want! Those are exactly the locos I want to test in these tight S curve situations! Yes, I was aware of the LH / RH point thing, but I wanted to test this situation specifically, and switching points wouldn't be possible if I had a head shunt at the opposite end of the siding, for instance! Also I was thinking of people who'd already laid their track and was having derailment difficulties, as I'm sure there are many who have this sort of setup! All the best, Ian.
@@iansngauge I understand where you are coming from, whilst some derailment issues can be generic ie S curves, most are very specific to each person’s layout and the reasons for derailments can vary hugely: eg uneven boards, uneven track, kinks in the track. Etc etc etc You think you got it sorted then seasonal expansion and contraction throws the whole thing out. Less than 0.1mm of track out of alignment can derail a train. Fascinating subject but one that’s very annoying to solve. Even slips and cross overs. Over the years Ive simplified, adapted, changed, swapped, scrapped and rebuilt. EVENTUALLY you get close. Derailments are more rare on my N gauge layout now, but they still happen. N gauge pendolino was a nightmares, took around 3 years to solve the issues. Couplings! Enjoy
@Piccadilly Model Railways - Thanks for the insight into what to expect in my future John! I get it! Getting the trackwork right in N gauge is hard! I can only make videos about what I'm experiencing, and it sounds like there'll be a lot of scope for future videos featuring derailment issues! Lol! Now couplings, there's a topic that requires its own channel! I've made the mistake of buying lots of rolling stock that don't have NEM pockets, so will be difficult to convert to use magnetic couplings! While the standard Rapido couplings do a good job, I find that they sometimes 'sag' so you find your train separating as it goes up or down an incline! Oh well! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian, nice work in solving that annoying issue, so now like you said, if you add weights then I guess you will have issues going up inclines with longer trains. Catch 22! Cheers for now
This has probably been commented on but...I'm catching up with the videos in sequence. The first turnout to your quarry sidding is a left turn. Correct. But if you then put together a row of right turns you can do away with the 1st radius curve sections altogether.
Hi Hugh! Hope you're enjoying the videos! Yes, the sequence of turnouts was laid on purpose to highlight the derailment issues! This is only a test track, so I was testing different things out, and must admit that found out several useful snippets of information across half a dozen videos like this! All the best, Ian.
Thanks very much Clive! Screws were just close to hand, and small enough to add to the wagons, so were quite useful once I'd figured out I needed to add some weight! Haha! These little things cost so much nowadays, I'd have a rethink about aiming them at the wall! Lol! All the best, Ian.
Thanks Phil! Definitely not! Three screws were arrived at by trial and error! I decided to spare everyone from seeing the footage of me adding screws one at a time to see what happened! What I should have done was weigh the Peco and Dapol wagons then weigh out the screws until the difference was made up - but, I obviously wasn't thinking when I did it! All the best, Ian.
Interesting video, many thanks, solves some issues I have on my small layout, Next, please-why can I run a train round the track 9 times, only for it to derail on the 12th time :). N Gauge is a huge learning curve!
Thank you! Ah, if we could crack that problem I guess we'd be regarded as wizards within the hobby! Lol! Take a look at John's (Piccadilly Model Railways) comments for an insight on what could be going on!!! There's definitely more to N Gauge than there first appears! All the best, Ian.
Hello Ian , the NMRA have a reccomended weight per foot length for US stock to ensure smooth running and tracking of stock,so although fiddly to do would it be worth adding weights to all of your stock based on this system? It may worth looking at airgun pellets?the cheapest ones can be purchased for a few pounds for a tin of 500 and could be held in plave with an adhesive but not PVA as the water content may cause a corrosive expansion problem,a small jewelers type scale could be used to obtain consistant results with your wagon fleet, again only a few pounds on line? Metal wheels are generally considered better runners.
Hi Donald! Thanks very much for your suggestion! I'd not heard of the NMRA recommended weights for US stock before, and am unaware of similar for the UK! I'll definitely be adding weights to my lighter wagons, and the airgun pellets seem like a good shout! I've actually purchased some metal wheels, although they haven't arrived yet, so there may be an update to the video if they perform any better! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian. Both are interesting *and* informative.
Hi Paul! Thank you very much! Cheers, Ian.
Hi Ian, another problem solved! I’ve had a similar problem with the Peco Fish Van kits, quite good runners in general but there were a couple of points they didn’t like. So off I went to B&Q and bought a box of small bolts, screws and washers. After a while it was one small bolt in each van that cured the problem and I thought well done John! But then I realised that in a rake of wagons suddenly there were two or three of my loco’s couldn’t get round anymore without a real struggle because of the gradients and the weight of the fish vans, took a fish van out of the rake no problem 🤯. Another reason for why I am at with my own layout! It’s lots of little things that add up to the big decision’s!
Another very informative and interesting video, cheers for now Ian, I’m just off for a ponder, John😁
Hi John! Yes, bring on the next annoying issue! Lol! I've got a couple of those Peco Fish Van kits to build! I've already built a couple of the Peco Mineral Wagon kits, and they run great, other than constantly decoupling when I run them up an incline - so maybe that's the next problem to solve? Lol! Yes, that's the only problem with adding weight - inclines! Hopefully on Exehaven Mk2, with reduced gradients, locos will be able to negotiate the whole circuit without problem - whatever they're pulling! Enjoy your ponder! All the best, Ian.
Very well explained Ian, you maybe becoming a scientist without realising it. Very interesting and enjoyable. Regards
Thanks very much Chris! Haha! I've actually got a degree in computer science, but we didn't cover wagon weights as far as I remember! Lol! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian Another interesting bit of investigation, although I have thought for a while the Peco wagons are generally too light, the weights they use aren't heavy enough for some situations, your fix of adding 'loads' is a good, simple solution, as others have said though the fan of sidings would in reality use left hand points but we do what we want. Good luck and thanks.
Hi Peter! Thank you! Yes, the Peco wagons always seem a bit lighter than the Farish ones don't they? Yes, the fan of sidings was a way of reproducing the S curves for testing, and aren't supposed to represent anything prototypical! I'd wager that there are many layouts that have this configuration though!!! All the best, Ian.
this is actually very interesting, I have issues with derailments on my layout, using the same PECO set track points, the worst offenders being some old GF Mk III coaches which almost have a negative weight - though they cope with the points fine, but hate being pushed around the curves, even the 2nd radius curves - the wheels will climb on even the least track defect
of which I have plenty.
fine pulled though.
I also have issues with points and both coaches and locomotives, this may also be something to watch out for - where the switch rails sit against the stock rail the do not always sit flush so when going over the points in the facing direction there is a very small lip the wheels need to get past - with some wheels the wheel flange profile copes with this, with some others it doesn't meaning one axle tends to climb - sometimes a bit of added mass helps, other times going slower helps (the wheel will "drop" back that way) and sometimes not much helps
your track is clean, mine less so, this can also play a part.
for the record though I do have a quartet of 15' wheelbase PECO wagons, these flat out hate being pushed over points, curves and on occasions straight track and I suspect the weight issue you have identified is a part of this. PECO have brought out some metal wheels - annoyingly looking hard to add resistors to though, and I wonder if these will help as they will weigh a little more.
the slow motion side on video is interesting, you can see the wagon lead axle climbing over the curved stock rail on the outer side of the curve, I've observed the same, I suspect metal wheels are better here as the wheel and the flanges tend to be smoother - anecdotal evidence here is cleaner wheelsets perform better than dirty ones too.
its also not just on S curves this can happen, I've observed the same on single points and on transitions from straight to curved track, though its usually lighter stock and stock with dirtier wheels that suffers.
having seen this video I'm going to go back and be a bit more methodical in experimenting here
:)
Good evening Dale! Your experiences are very interesting, and I hope adding a little weight will help your lighter stock take the curves and points - especially your negatively weighted Farish Mk3 coaches! Lol! I also suspect that adding metal wheels would help the issue, as although the plastic ones run quite freely as shown in the video, they have a slightly wider flange - do I mean flange? - that does occasionally seem to make the lead axle "jump" as you observed! The metal wheels would also add weight to the wagon as you rightly say! I must admit, I've only ever seen this behaviour on the double S curves! I'd be interested to know your findings if you decide to do some experimentation yourself! Thanks for watching, and for the great comment! All the best, Ian.
Evening Ian - as I was watching I kept saying to myself the wagons are too light ! Hey presto and your analytical skills prove it was indeed the weight. If you search the great Internet in the sky you'll find tiny weights that you can add to increase the weight of each wagon. As always a masterclass in delivery! Cheers Euan
Good evening Euan! and thank you! Haha! I always imagine old hands in the hobby tutting away as I bumble my way through these little investigations! I shall be looking for those tiny weights eventually, as I'm guessing that those copper screws weren't prototypical? Lol! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian well you have done it again fantastic and interesting video. Colin
Thanks very much Coln! All the best, Ian.
Another great video. Here in the US the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) has standards for the weight of the train wagons. Seems like there should be something similar in the UK.
Hi Andy! Yeah, I'd never heard of the NMRA standards for US wagon weights until Donald mentioned it earlier! I'm not aware of anything similar for UK wagons, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist! I shall do some research! Thanks for the suggestion! All the best, Ian.
Evening Ian brilliant update and saved me a headache lol weight but not to much 👍
Good evening, and thank you! Hopefully adding a little weight is the solution to all matters derailment!! All the best, Ian.
Greetings, Shelfington, and hello Ian 👋 and there I was blaming the derailing pixies all these years 😳 You definitely have the patience and detective skills of Colombo 🔍😇 A great result 👍 and each wagon was rewarded with three screws 😲 Very best wishes from the Emerald Isle ☘️
Good evening Paul in the Emerald Isle! Haha! The derailing pixies must surely be responsible for some of the derailments! I like being compared to Colombo - probably my favourite TV detectives! :) I think it's called something like "Positive Reinforcement" when you reward your wagon with a screw every time it makes a successful pass over the curves! Lol! All the best from Shelfington, and Ian.
Another great video Ian 👍
Thanks very much Rich! Cheers, Ian.
@@iansngauge Ive got some Railfreight wagons by Peco and now after seeing they are too lite i will probably add peices of cut up lead sheet under mine i recon. Im not actually sure what they used to move about in them so putting lead on the underside i guess they can still be empty 😂 👍
@@ThisWayWorksTWW - Just make sure you don't add too much weight! Those three copper screws weighed less than 2 grams, so you'll only need a tiny amount of lead! Yeah, who knows what those Railfreight wagons were mysteriously shifting around the country! Lol! Cheers, Ian.
@@iansngauge out of curiosity as i have no inclines to worry about, is there a negative effect on derailing adding too much weight?
@@ThisWayWorksTWW - Hmm! Good question! The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is that weight will add more drag making it more difficult to get around tight curves - but that's not a derailment issue obviously!
Very interesting, an issue well worth remembering. Great video as always 👍
Thanks very much Stan! You'd think these little wagons would run straight out of the box wouldn't you? Who'd have thought just a couple of grams would make so much difference? All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian, interesting video and good to see you fixed it with the additional weight! I can’t say I’ve had many issues with derailments with my rolling stock even with my ST5/6 points. Only have a issue with a longer wheelbase Peco wagon and some Dapol wagons which was more to do with the couplings which I have still not managed to sort much to my frustration!! My issues with derailments comes more with locos but that’s another story!! Cheers Gary
Thanks Gary! I've only had problems with the ferry wagons shown in the video, as I think their wheelbase is an awkward length as well as them being terribly light! However, I've got an update to this video in the pipeline that shows that the set track points are probably the root the problem! I've not had any issues with locos derailing, although that may be more to do with them all being diesel rather than steamers! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian,
A nice analysis again - I enjoyed watching this condensed investigation into cause and solution. It's good to know what the impact is from different compromises - it would seem that a combination of inclines and super-tight S-curves aren't compromises that can go together, if you want those kinds of wagons to be used over both.
Thanks,
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan! Thanks very much! Yes, there seems to be a balance between curves, gradients and weight of wagons that needs to be found before trying to run certain rakes of wagons! All the best, Ian.
I class my self as a learner too, but have seen many recommendations on avoiding back to back S curves by inserting small sections of straight track between. This seems to allow the wagons to track more evenly. 😊
Yes, breaking up the S curve with straight sections is a great idea, and will definitely work! However, if you've already laid your track and ballasted it, or if you've only got a small amount of space, and don't want to compromise the length of your sidings, then adding weight is a simple fix! Thanks for watching! All the best, Ian.
I wonder if when doing these reviews and things which use the S curve you could mention that it’s a bad track design so if someone is still designing a layout they can avoid it.
I understand you may want to keep this layout so you have the S curve for testing - but if you used right hand points rather than left, with the “straight” side of the points on an angle, you would avoid the trouble, and have slightly longer sidings.
Hi Nathan! Well, to be honest, I'm not sure whether it's bad track design or not! I've certainly mentioned S curves before, and how they can be a problem on a layout! However, this type of situation can occur when having multiple passing loops, or if head shunts are added to the opposite end of a siding! I completely take the point (haha) that adding right hand points in this situation would ease the S curve, but it's not always possible to do this! As I said in the video, I suspect that many people already have this type of setup on their layouts, and adding weight to the wagons may solve derailment issues in their case without having to dig the track up! Thanks for watching! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian, I always find that small wagons can be a nightmare,I always add weights to these to try to prevent this,
Hi Colin! To be honest I'd not had a problem with smaller wagons until I started pushing these ferry wagons around! I'll definitely be investing in a bag of small weights to add to other wagons "just in case" though! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian,
Well done for finding the weight issue, car wheel weights are good for this, then hide them with a load in each wagon.
I do believe part of the problem is the short radius points, particularly after being ballasted, as they deteriorate and can cause all sorts of issues over time. Over the years and when I could, I replaced all of with long radius points and the problem has almost gone. However, some stock will still derail, inc locos, you cant always judge it. Co-co locos always struggle on short radius points. Eg class 47, 66. Strangely GF 37s always good.
As you pointed out you have S curves on your sidings with left hand points. If you used right hand points on each sidings you would get rid of the s curves making it easier to negotiate. Hoping thats helpful
Hi John! Thank you! It took a while to go around the houses, but I found the problem eventually! Lol! I'll definitely be investing in some car wheel weights - thanks for the tip! I've been trying to get my hands on a 37/47/50 for a while, but there seems to be a dearth of them out there - or at least in the configuration I want! Those are exactly the locos I want to test in these tight S curve situations! Yes, I was aware of the LH / RH point thing, but I wanted to test this situation specifically, and switching points wouldn't be possible if I had a head shunt at the opposite end of the siding, for instance! Also I was thinking of people who'd already laid their track and was having derailment difficulties, as I'm sure there are many who have this sort of setup! All the best, Ian.
@@iansngauge I understand where you are coming from, whilst some derailment issues can be generic ie S curves, most are very specific to each person’s layout and the reasons for derailments can vary hugely: eg uneven boards, uneven track, kinks in the track. Etc etc etc You think you got it sorted then seasonal expansion and contraction throws the whole thing out. Less than 0.1mm of track out of alignment can derail a train. Fascinating subject but one that’s very annoying to solve. Even slips and cross overs. Over the years Ive simplified, adapted, changed, swapped, scrapped and rebuilt. EVENTUALLY you get close. Derailments are more rare on my N gauge layout now, but they still happen. N gauge pendolino was a nightmares, took around 3 years to solve the issues. Couplings!
Enjoy
@Piccadilly Model Railways - Thanks for the insight into what to expect in my future John! I get it! Getting the trackwork right in N gauge is hard! I can only make videos about what I'm experiencing, and it sounds like there'll be a lot of scope for future videos featuring derailment issues! Lol! Now couplings, there's a topic that requires its own channel! I've made the mistake of buying lots of rolling stock that don't have NEM pockets, so will be difficult to convert to use magnetic couplings! While the standard Rapido couplings do a good job, I find that they sometimes 'sag' so you find your train separating as it goes up or down an incline! Oh well! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian, nice work in solving that annoying issue, so now like you said, if you add weights then I guess you will have issues going up inclines with longer trains. Catch 22! Cheers for now
Hi John! Thanks! Yes, I guess adding weight to each wagon will be a fine balance to get the best of both worlds! All the best, Ian.
interesting vid Ian!
Thanks Mystic! All the best, Ian.
This has probably been commented on but...I'm catching up with the videos in sequence. The first turnout to your quarry sidding is a left turn. Correct. But if you then put together a row of right turns you can do away with the 1st radius curve sections altogether.
Hi Hugh! Hope you're enjoying the videos! Yes, the sequence of turnouts was laid on purpose to highlight the derailment issues! This is only a test track, so I was testing different things out, and must admit that found out several useful snippets of information across half a dozen videos like this! All the best, Ian.
Well I would not have thought of put screws in to make it heavy good call it would have hit the wall with me lol great video 👍
Thanks very much Clive! Screws were just close to hand, and small enough to add to the wagons, so were quite useful once I'd figured out I needed to add some weight! Haha! These little things cost so much nowadays, I'd have a rethink about aiming them at the wall! Lol! All the best, Ian.
Well done Ian, were 3 screws a starting point re: weight or was there some trial to measure different weights?
Thanks Phil! Definitely not! Three screws were arrived at by trial and error! I decided to spare everyone from seeing the footage of me adding screws one at a time to see what happened! What I should have done was weigh the Peco and Dapol wagons then weigh out the screws until the difference was made up - but, I obviously wasn't thinking when I did it! All the best, Ian.
Interesting video, many thanks, solves some issues I have on my small layout, Next, please-why can I run a train round the track 9 times, only for it to derail on the 12th time :). N Gauge is a huge learning curve!
Thank you! Ah, if we could crack that problem I guess we'd be regarded as wizards within the hobby! Lol! Take a look at John's (Piccadilly Model Railways) comments for an insight on what could be going on!!! There's definitely more to N Gauge than there first appears! All the best, Ian.
Hello Ian , the NMRA have a reccomended weight per foot length for US stock to ensure smooth running and tracking of stock,so although fiddly to do would it be worth adding weights to all of your stock based on this system? It may worth looking at airgun pellets?the cheapest ones can be purchased for a few pounds for a tin of 500 and could be held in plave with an adhesive but not PVA as the water content may cause a corrosive expansion problem,a small jewelers type scale could be used to obtain consistant results with your wagon fleet, again only a few pounds on line? Metal wheels are generally considered better runners.
Hi Donald! Thanks very much for your suggestion! I'd not heard of the NMRA recommended weights for US stock before, and am unaware of similar for the UK! I'll definitely be adding weights to my lighter wagons, and the airgun pellets seem like a good shout! I've actually purchased some metal wheels, although they haven't arrived yet, so there may be an update to the video if they perform any better! All the best, Ian.