Derailment Problem

[codered10]

Hello all,

I'm working on my first layout, a 4x8 N-scale layout.

I've got my main loop down along with a few sidings. I'm running into some problems with the turnouts.

When I go through the turnout in one direction(the direction where the turnout can take me onto the siding), everything works fine. However, if i come through the turnout the other direction on the mainline and the switch is set for the siding, i get frequent derailments of locomotives and of cars.

I've never built my own layout before, but from running other layouts in the past I thought I remembered that if you came "backwards" through a turnout it didn't matter which direction the turnout was thrown. Maybe I'm wrong...if so please let me know.

Otherwise, does anyone have any suggestions on how to resolve this problem?

 

[UP2CSX]

I'm not quite sure I understand but I think you're saying that you are trying to run through a switch that has trailing points, e.g. , the points are set for the diverging route, without setting the switch for the mainline and you get derailments? If so, that's perfectly normal. If a switch is working properly, the points should be held firmly against the stock rail by a spring or ground throw. When you try to run a train through reversed points, the wheels will not be able to get past the point rail and you'll get a derailment. The only way this wouldn't happen is of you had some sloppy switches in the past and the points were only loosely held against the stock rail. In that case,the wheels would be able to push the points aside and continue down the mainline. This type of switch will give you the opposite problem. The points won't hold tightly against the stock rail in a facing direction and you'll get derailments headed into the siding. You should always set switches so they are lined for the correct route of travel for the next train.

 

[codered10]

Okay, just to clarify

UP2CSX,

Just to confirm that I'm understanding correctly...the switch should be set to whatever line I am on no matter which direction I am travelling, correct?

Thanks!

 

[UP2CSX]

Yes, if the next train is going down the mainline, the switch should be lined for the main. If the next train is going in the siding, the switch should be lined for the siding. The direction of the train on the main is irrelevant. The switch should always be set for the main unless you are switching to the siding.