30° Crossing Problems

[Nightwing]

There is definitely a problem with the BAC44540 30° crossing.  I am running an 060 locomotive that doesn't like that crossing.  I was experiencing derailing and hesitation and poor performance of the loco going over that section of track.  I discovered that the loco was rubbing its belly on the crossing.  I had to file down the part of the bellypan that covers the driven gear.  That problem was solved.  However there is still a hesitation and loss of power on one leg of the crossing.  The other leg isn't a problem.  I have to run the train at a much higher speed than prudent or scale proportions in order to prevent the loco from stopping dead.  Even at higher speeds, there is a noticeable jerk of the locomotive that often causes the rolling stock to uncouple which will lead to a train wreck if not caught in time.  I have lightly fine sanded the troublesome area with a little improvement.  It is unknown why one leg of the cross is trouble free and smooth, while the other leg will not maintain power to the locomotive.

This is certainly a Bachmann problem and I have contacted them without a reply.  If in fact it is just the nature of the beast that short locomotives will not perform well if using this crossover, then a disclaimer should be on the package.

My entire layout depends on using this crossover and it is a very important item to me.  I am open to suggestions.

[jward]

my guess s that one of the rails of the crossing isn't making contact with the rest. A quick continuity check with an ohmmeter will confirm if this is true.

Is this a black roadbed piece (steel rails) or a grey roadbed piece (Nickel silver rails)?

the solution depends on your answer.

[Nightwing]

It is nickel silver, gray roadbed.  I checked all the rails with a meter and they all show voltage.

[James in FL]

Hi Nightwing,

Lay a straight edge along each leg over the crossing, make sure everything is level.
If this proves true, then look elsewhere.
Perhaps the flange way in the crossing is not deep enough, causing the wheel flange to bottom out and therefore lifting the wheel set from the railhead causing a loss of contact.
Have you checked this?
If this the case, quick work with a file will fix.
You need to get your eyes down on it.
Run very slow and when the lokie stops, take note of the position of each driver, how many wheels are on the plastic frog?
Look at both sides.
Let us know what you find.

Good luck