What The Heck Do I Need?

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BunkerTheHusky

BunkerTheHusky

Well-Known Member
Hi all. I am having some trouble running older locos on my layout. I specifically chose Code 80 to allow for the taller wheel flanges on the older wheel sets. The trains can roll fine through most of the layout, however my problem is, on my Atlas turnouts the locos and cars tend to "hop" on the frogs and get stuck, or just plain derail. I posted a question about this happening to Reddit several months ago, and I was told to check the gauge of the wheels and turnouts with a NMRA test gauge. I, however, have absolutely no idea where to get one or what they even look like. Can somebody please send me a link to what I have to buy? I would very much appreciate it.

Also in this regard, if anyone had any ideas on how to fix this issue, I'll be all ears. I prefer not to have to replace the turnouts themselves if I don't have to. I know they aren't the best, but they're what I have and I can't afford different ones. Not running the older stuff is also an option, but darn it, that just feels like ignoring the issue. I would also like recommendations for wheel sets that fit older trucks. All replacements I have found have their axle pins too narrow and they fall right out.

Thanks!
 
Here's the Google link for NMRA gauges. Prices seem to be varied. Somewhere on the NMRA website is the actual measurements of all of the different things that it checks.
My issue with Atlas turnouts is the dip just before the frog, which I correct by cutting out and inserting a piece of .015" styrene into the gap.
 
santafewillie said:
Here's the Google link for NMRA gauges. Prices seem to be varied. Somewhere on the NMRA website is the actual measurements of all of the different things that it checks.
My issue with Atlas turnouts is the dip just before the frog, which I correct by cutting out and inserting a piece of .015" styrene into the gap.
Click to expand...
Thanks Willie! I might have to DM you about this some time soon to better understand what you mean. Don't have them in front of me currently, so I can't picture it in my head!
 


BunkerTheHusky said:
Hi all. I am having some trouble running older locos on my layout. I specifically chose Code 80 to allow for the taller wheel flanges on the older wheel sets. The trains can roll fine through most of the layout, however my problem is, on my Atlas turnouts the locos and cars tend to "hop" on the frogs and get stuck, or just plain derail. I posted a question about this happening to Reddit several months ago, and I was told to check the gauge of the wheels and turnouts with a NMRA test gauge. I, however, have absolutely no idea where to get one or what they even look like. Can somebody please send me a link to what I have to buy? I would very much appreciate it.

Also in this regard, if anyone had any ideas on how to fix this issue, I'll be all ears. I prefer not to have to replace the turnouts themselves if I don't have to. I know they aren't the best, but they're what I have and I can't afford different ones. Not running the older stuff is also an option, but darn it, that just feels like ignoring the issue. I would also like recommendations for wheel sets that fit older trucks. All replacements I have found have their axle pins too narrow and they fall right out.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Older locomotives and rolling stock, especially train-set quality such as Life-Like, Bachmann, Model Power, etc., are fairly notorious for having out-of-gauge wheel sets. However, they are generally easy enough to get them back in gauge. With an NMRA Standards Gauge (they're available for all scales, be sure you get one for N-scale), you can check your wheel flanges for proper gauge. If a wheel set on a freight or passenger car is out of gauge, you can generally hang on to the axle with a small pair of pliers in one hand, and push or pull a wheel while twisting it with your other hand. On a loco, you can carefully press the wheels together in some fashion if gauge is too wide, or insert a small, flat blade screwdriver between the wheel and truck frame and carefully twist to widen the gauge if too narrow. Be very careful if doing this so as to not break anything!

Out-of-gauge wheel sets usually run just fine on plain loops of track. But once you add turnouts and/or crossings into the mix, then having properly gauged wheel sets is a must. Otherwise, they can start exhibiting the problems you describe. With that in mind, your Atlas turnouts are probably just fine. Before you start hacksawing or filing or otherwise messing with them, I'd recommend getting a Standards gauge to check and adjust all your wheel sets first. This might just solve your problems without hacking away on the turnouts or buying replacement metal wheel sets (they're pricey!). Hope this helps. :)👍
 
BunkerTheHusky said:
Hi all. I am having some trouble running older locos on my layout. I specifically chose Code 80 to allow for the taller wheel flanges on the older wheel sets. The trains can roll fine through most of the layout, however my problem is, on my Atlas turnouts the locos and cars tend to "hop" on the frogs and get stuck, or just plain derail. I posted a question about this happening to Reddit several months ago, and I was told to check the gauge of the wheels and turnouts with a NMRA test gauge. I, however, have absolutely no idea where to get one or what they even look like. Can somebody please send me a link to what I have to buy? I would very much appreciate it.

Also in this regard, if anyone had any ideas on how to fix this issue, I'll be all ears. I prefer not to have to replace the turnouts themselves if I don't have to. I know they aren't the best, but they're what I have and I can't afford different ones. Not running the older stuff is also an option, but darn it, that just feels like ignoring the issue. I would also like recommendations for wheel sets that fit older trucks. All replacements I have found have their axle pins too narrow and they fall right out.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I spent over an hour each on two of my older Atlas turnouts trying to figure out the same problem. By tweaking the point rails and making sure the adjacent tracks and turnouts were all on the same plane, they run sweet now. Try running a single car over them ultra slowly, watching each wheel individually with a flashlite to try and find the exact cause. Make sure all wheels are on the tracks while passing over them. Sometimes unlevel track will cause one wheel to lift off the track sometimes enough to unintentionally derail when it hits the frog or points. Make sure the gauge of the point rails is to spec.
 


Mixed Freight said:
With that in mind, your Atlas turnouts are probably just fine. Before you start hacksawing or filing or otherwise messing with them, I'd recommend getting a Standards gauge to check and adjust all your wheel sets first. This might just solve your problems without hacking away on the turnouts or buying replacement metal wheel sets (they're pricey!). Hope this helps. :)👍
Click to expand...
This is incredibly helpful. I have a gauge ordered (yes, I definitely triple checked to make sure that it's N) and I'll check the wheel gauge first! I really would prefer not to hack at or cut anything, or be buying a bunch of wheel sets.

Thank you so much for everyone stepping on and offering advice! This is infinitely better than the "help" I got on r/modelrailroad! This forum is a genuine resource of good, knowledgeable people!
 
I’ve standardized all my couplers to MTL couplers. You can purchase them assembled or unassembled. While the unassembled are cheaper, you may get frustrated trying to assemble them. There’s a jig that will help you get them together. But being in N scale I couldn’t keep all the small pieces from flying into “ the abyss “ and not find them again.
 
Twinboystrains said:
I’ve standardized all my couplers to MTL couplers. You can purchase them assembled or unassembled. While the unassembled are cheaper, you may get frustrated trying to assemble them. There’s a jig that will help you get them together. But being in N scale I couldn’t keep all the small pieces from flying into “ the abyss “ and not find them again.
Click to expand...
That's what I've been doing. I have a 10 piece set of trucks with couplers, body mount short shank, and body mount long shank options. My issue is that these MTL branded items, while fantastic quality, are really expensive. I therefore have to choose what cars are worthy of the investment. A lot of the trains I am having issue with were gifted to be by a friend, and he really wanted to see them run on the layout. They're all 1990 and older Life-Like and Atlas equipment that seems like are a dime a dozen. Not worth the investment.

I did want to update everyone! I got my new gauge in the mail a few days ago, and wow Mixed Freight hit the nail on the head! EVERY. SINGLE. AXLE. was out of gauge, including the locomotive! After some finagling and painful finger tips, the train set runs so much better over the Atlas Turnouts, which according to the gauge, are perfectly in spec!

Now to finish converting them from Crapido to something a bit more modern and inter-compatible.

Thank you for all your help, everyone!:D
 
BunkerTheHusky said:
I got my new gauge in the mail a few days ago, and wow Mixed Freight hit the nail on the head! EVERY. SINGLE. AXLE. was out of gauge, including the locomotive! After some finagling and painful finger tips, the train set runs so much better over the Atlas Turnouts, which according to the gauge, are perfectly in spec!
Click to expand...

I knew that seemed to be the issue when you first posted. Great that you have been able to resolve it.
 
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