Newbie! Needs Help w\derailments

[GKTEC]

hello all. Sort of new! Had trains when i was kid, now i have kids and they all want to do trains!! (okay i rekindled a new flame)

laid out a track, used code 83. converted to dcc, installed chips in old trains, 1\2 in plywood base, roadbed and track,

numerous engines constantly derail in radius sections of track.

pulled up, laid new, re nailed, checked for movement....AGRHHHHHHH!

Still they derail!! Advice, help, please!

[Lester Perry]

If you are using older locomotives on 83 track that could be the problem. The flange on older HO trains tend to be to large for code83 track. If that is not the problem check to make sure radius of turn is not to small the Locomotive will only turn so sharp of a radius. one more thing comes to mind . make sure outside rail is not lower than inside or dips in joints assuming you are using sectional track. Let us know how you make out as there are mor things but these are the normal problems.
Les

[tworail]

Definitely take a closer look at the flanges... that would be my first guess, as Lester pointed out. Take a piece of track, a loco and a flash light and put in on the end of a table. Get right up close and move the engine back and forth to see if there are any trouble spots. Do this with turnouts as well.

For trouble free running code 100 is recommended for older engines... Hopefully you don't have too many :p

[smallcaboose]

Is it an complete engine derailments or just a couple of wheels on the same truck that are getting off. Like an axle on six isn't the same problem than let say, 6 out of 6 !!

And dip in your layout ?! When you say old train... what is it exactly ? I think we need a little more info !

Mart.

[GKTEC]

thank yo all for the responses!!

older trains,70-90's not sure of age, mainly a single set of axles jump off, usually the lead set, whether it is fwd or reverse.

can you swap out axles with newer styles? cost effective?

[Lester Perry]

thank yo all for the responses!!

older trains,70-90's not sure of age, mainly a single set of axles jump off, usually the lead set, whether it is fwd or reverse.

can you swap out axles with newer styles? cost effective?
I highly doubt if you can swap axles. can you post a picture of the wheels on the problem locomotive? Also are you using sectional track and if you are what radius are they and what type and brand of locomotive. this info may help us figure your problem
Les

[smallcaboose]

Sound like a dip in your layout to me !!

Check nivelling.