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I have a Lionel and two Marx 1666, 666.
I also have a Lionel 1984 8302.
The newer Lionel runs smooth and hardly ever jumps the rail.
My old Cast Loco's all jump the front trucks, mainly on the switches if they are not straight. If they are switched then the front trucks jump the track. Not sure what I can do on these 3 different loco's to keep the trucks on the rail.
One thing with the 8302 is that it's a 4-4-2, the other old loco's are 2-4-2's with the exception of the Lionel that is a 2-6-2.
Any suggestions to keep my front trucks planted???
You will have to take a close look at the front wheel trucks. First, determine which way the trucks derail, either to the right or left every time. This gives you a clue as to what to look for. Look closely at the truck and see if it is free moving or has resistance to one direction or the other.
Look at the switch or turnout real close to see if the points are held tightly against the rail or if they move when rolling stock is on them. Are there obstructions on the tops or sides of the rails? Are the rail joiners secure and are the adjoining rails in line?
You will have to take a close look at the front wheel trucks. First, determine which way the trucks derail, either to the right or left every time. This gives you a clue as to what to look for. Look closely at the truck and see if it is free moving or has resistance to one direction or the other.
Look at the switch or turnout real close to see if the points are held tightly against the rail or if they move when rolling stock is on them. Are there obstructions on the tops or sides of the rails? Are the rail joiners secure and are the adjoining rails in line?
I've just read that my scale might be off on the front trucks. Two out of the three are new front trucks for the Marx loco's. They de-rail right and left. If the switch is switched to turn they de-rail. Still doesn't explain the Lionel jumping. It's all original.
I have observed the loco's rolling over the switches and do not see anything loose on the switches. I only watched the front end jump off when the track turns from straight. Basically the outside front wheel hits the point of the track and rolls right over.
All the loco's are well lubricated and the wheels seem to be round and free of debris.
For all scales one would first check the wheel sets to be sure they are 'in gauge' the correct distance apart. Then check the track to see if it is 'in gauge'. Then eyeball the track to see if there are any kinks in a rail. All rails should be straight or a smooth curve. And last check around the rails, especially the inside to see if you have a spike or other object that can push a flange up over the rail. I would take one axle with wheels and let it roll down the rail. It would quickly show trouble spots.
I looked at the front trucks last night and saw that my new trucks were set skinny so I spread them to be the size of the original.
Even after adjusting them, the loco's still jump. I have rolled them across the switches and see where they jump off but I just don't know why. Almost thinking I need to add weight to the front trucks to keep them planted firm. I was thinking about adding a 1:1 car wheel weight to the front truck to add a little weight. I think the front trucks are just too light.
Things don't jump spontaneously, there is something forcing it up, keep looking!
Things don't jump spontaneously, there is something forcing it up, keep looking!
I agree, basically the truck is not following the track when the switch is switched.
I am expecting a LOT of Electric Lionel switches that I will replace these manual switches with. I am hoping that maybe it will correct the issue. All my track is used and old. I still know something else is affecting it but I am hoping higher quality newer switches will help either way.
I'll keep looking
Look real close at the point of the turnout where it meets the rail. They should both be at the same height otherwise your wheel might just barely catch the turnout rail point and continue straight in the original route.
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