Cheers Bill,  I'm a relative newbie to G scale outdoors - this is my 3rd summer of full operation. Like many others I've learnt the hard way & now understand the importance of track maintenance & design  But putting in the extra effort has definitely increased reliability & the fun.  I'm challenged by the relatively small footprint, the GR magazine had been a key source of very useful information & helping me avoid the same errors of those more experienced folks. Gonna miss not having the magazine in its old format.
The hobby has been far more challenging than I first thought but the fun its given me, especially with my grandkids, has been simply awesome.

Thanks again
Colin

Hi Bill - thanks - really like the suggestion to take videos of the problem areas. I acknowledge I have a reluctance to blame the track, given the amount of time I've recently dedicated to it,  & that there are no problems with any other locos. Figured I'd reach out to give this loco one last before it gets left on the shelf  forever - that won't happen I like this loco too much! However I also know that I can improve the grade transition on one specific problem curve.

Understand the concern with the grade, note that's the absolute max & majority of grade is 2% or less, there are no tight curves.

Defintely agree, I'd prefer not to have to add weights at all but obviously it would seem others have had the same problem over the years (https://forums.mylargescale.com/27-masterclass-articles/15693-bachmann-spectrum-4-4-0-pilot-truck-issues.html) & that Barry Olsen had designed & built specific pilots to specifically address the problem. Unfortunately Barry is no longer with us.

What does concern me with the design of this pilot is...
1) the degree of play/side to side movement of the wheels, which seems far too much (wouldn't limiting this to 1/8" to 1/4" be better?). (but is no different that the 2-6-0)
2) there are no pilot turn limit/guide pins on this loco (wrong terminology) as on the 2-6-0 pilot;
3) the spring tension appears to be very weak & not well positioned to keep both axles on the track again far less than the 2-6-0 design.

Guess I was looking for a simpler answer to the solution to implement quickly but sometimes it's just more time & graft that's required, probably have to wait until next year now.

Cheers - & really appreciate your feedback.

Colin

Thanks - have given lot of attention to grade (<3.5%) & ensured track is level (rail to rail) especially around all curves.  Just wondered how much weight to add?  Appears that adding weight over front wheels then rear lifts but adding weight to both wheels creates & I'm back to square one/

Front truck constantly derails usually around corners & changing grade. Have tried adding some weight to the front wheels of pilot & then both but neither solution is perfect. Seeking ideas for a better solution. Thanks
Colin - Okotoks AB