I was wondering how to fix the problem of my Bowser Roadrailers. I have 6 of them and usually one derails once every trip around the layout. The trucks are to the NMRA gauge standard. Could it be that the trailers do not have weight? Any help &/or advice would be appreciated. Sincerely Jai
Weight could be an issue. Is it just one particular roadrailer derailing at one spot, or is it any one of them at a random location? Is it derailing at a switch? I've got a few of the Bowser roadrailers, and I haven't had any problems with them at my club's layout. I added about an extra ounce of weight to each one, and replaced the stock wheels with 33" metal ones from Intermountain (which I'll probably eventually replace with 70t roller bearing trucks from Kato...love those rotating bearing caps). Also, if they're derailing in one spot, check the track itself, to make sure its in gauge. Only other thing I can think of to check are the trucks; make sure they can swivel freely.
I have 12 of the Bowser Roadrailer cars and I have very little problems with them. I did not add weight to them and I'm using the trucks that came with them. If it is one car that is derailing all the time, Inspect the distance between the flange ( The small lip on the inside of the wheel - 1. Make sure that they are the proper distance apart. Maybe a wee bit loser then the gauge would say to use. 2.make sure the truck is just right. If the truck is to tight to the frame of the trailer, it will not pivot and allow the trailer to swing left and right. Also make sure that when the trailers are sitting on level track, use your finger to tap down on the top edge of the trailer. The trailer should rock back and fourth a bit then straighten right out. If it dose not rock at all then the truck is to tight. The slight rocking action works like a shock absorber and allows the car to ride out the bumps. One way to test this is to hold the car in your hand and use the other hand to move the truck. It should pivot just a tad side to side and front to back. If you have to much pivot the car will lean way to much into the corners and will derail. Last but least try putting the car in a different order. Hay this reminds me I have 2 new ones sitting on the work bench. I guess I'll go and put them together! Let me know how you make out.
Just building up a small fleet of these for a Triple Crown train, anyone have any advice on what the minimum radius is for the 'scale' hitches? To my eye it looks to be able to manage around a 3' radius?
Also make sure the trucks are swiveling freely on the bolster. If there is any binding, they may not twist or slew properly when going around curves or through switches.
