Ceresco2063
New Member
I have just unpacked a N-guage collection that has not seen the light of day since 1985. This was my layout and project while I was stationed in Germany in the early 80's.
All the track was useless, but the German power units still worked, tested on KATO straight sections, a combination of Arnold, Mini-Trix, Fleishman, and ROCO.
Now comes the problem, I settled on KATO track based on my failing eyesight and the no need to hand ballast, as well as the options available.
Now the old wide and deep flanged 'pizza cutter' wheels on the older equipment does not handle modern turnouts well at all. Will pass a #4 KATO turnout 40% of the time without derailing, will pass a #6 KATO turnout 80% of the time without derailing. Bought an Atlas 80 turnout and also have a high fail rate. The old mini-trix turnout no problems, but according to TRIX they also changed their rail profile since the 80's.
Wheels on the power units are metal with some traction tires and appears can not be replaced easily or at all. Used a small file to lower the plastic turnout pin that throws the rail, did not work, and no matter how tight the pressure between the throw rail and main rail is, the wheels will eventually go between and derail before power unit totally passes. Wheels do not contact the rail to tie connections, just the turnouts and any 'frog' assembly. Can change to 'modern wheels' on passengers and freight cars, power units doubtfull.
Any suggestions? Would love to use Euro as my theme, but if have to go to US not really an issue.
All the track was useless, but the German power units still worked, tested on KATO straight sections, a combination of Arnold, Mini-Trix, Fleishman, and ROCO.
Now comes the problem, I settled on KATO track based on my failing eyesight and the no need to hand ballast, as well as the options available.
Now the old wide and deep flanged 'pizza cutter' wheels on the older equipment does not handle modern turnouts well at all. Will pass a #4 KATO turnout 40% of the time without derailing, will pass a #6 KATO turnout 80% of the time without derailing. Bought an Atlas 80 turnout and also have a high fail rate. The old mini-trix turnout no problems, but according to TRIX they also changed their rail profile since the 80's.
Wheels on the power units are metal with some traction tires and appears can not be replaced easily or at all. Used a small file to lower the plastic turnout pin that throws the rail, did not work, and no matter how tight the pressure between the throw rail and main rail is, the wheels will eventually go between and derail before power unit totally passes. Wheels do not contact the rail to tie connections, just the turnouts and any 'frog' assembly. Can change to 'modern wheels' on passengers and freight cars, power units doubtfull.
Any suggestions? Would love to use Euro as my theme, but if have to go to US not really an issue.
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