4-8-4

[ejseider]

I've got a 4-8-4 from a Bachman starter set that I received a couple of years ago.  The pony trucks, both front and rear, frequently jump the track at turn outs and re-railer sections.  I've tried adjusting them by bending the mounting brackets to get them to ride more firmly on the track, but that hasn't fixed the problem. I also added some small lead weights, but had to remove them since they were causing binding on curves.   Any suggestions?

Also, I'm thinking of getting a better 4-8-4.  Any suggestions for that?

[rogertra]

Buy an NMRA gauge, which should be a part of every modeller's tool kit, and check the gauge of both the wheels and the track where the wheels derail.

[Jhanecker2]

If you are having binding issues you are trying to run the train on radii  to small for the loco & tender . The smallest  radius would be  22" or greater.   Are you  positive  your track is perfect , and have you made sure that your couplers are heighted correctly and not dragging on the tracks ?   The only set that contains a 4-8-4 is the Overland Express  , there are other 4-8-4 in the Bachmann  Line but if your track is the problem they won't run any better.  Also note one can not run large steam locos at warpspeed  through  changes of direction .

[ejseider]

Thanks.  I'll check the couplers, and the gauge.  The track seems to be fine inspecting it visually, running my fingers along the track, and checking it with a straight edge.  The thing that really stumps me is that if I hand push the engine thru the turn out or re-railer, then back it up a ways and power it thru, it works fine, but the next time around it derails again. 

The binding occurred only when I glued some small weights to the trucks to make them a bit heavier.  I've removed the weights.  The engine works fine if I remove the ponies and run it around the circuit.

[wildpaws]

If you are having binding issues you are trying to run the train on radii  to small for the loco & tender . The smallest  radius would be  22" or greater.   Are you  positive  your track is perfect , and have you made sure that your couplers are heighted correctly and not dragging on the tracks ?   The only set that contains a 4-8-4 is the Overland Express  , there are other 4-8-4 in the Bachmann  Line but if your track is the problem they won't run any better.  Also note one can not run large steam locos at warpspeed  through  changes of direction .

The Spectrum Cavalier set has a N&W J611 4-8-4 (I know because I have one). And indeed your recommendation of 22" radius or greater is spot on.
Clyde

[sd24b]

also check your wheel gauge.    Phil