Engine Derailments

[jward]

i had a similar problem recently with a bachmann gp7 i bought new wanting to derail at various points on my layout. upon closer examination, it appeared the trucks were on too tight, and this stiffness was causing it to derail. the solution for me was simple, but bear in mind this only works with bachmann diesels.....

take off the body shell. bachmann uses a unique gear tower housing, with the pivot point at the very top, above the worm gear. most if not all other makes have the pivot point under the worm, where it is hard to make adjustments. with bachmann diesels, there is a small screw on top of the truck, that affects the rotation of the truck much like the bolster screw on a freight car. you can try loosening this screw about a quarter turn or so. this solved my problem, it might work for you too.