| Derailment is a common problem that occurs in all | | | | twisting the wheel along the axle till they are in |
| the working model trains, including the Brass HO | | | | the right alignment. This has to be done very |
| trains. The key is to identify the problem and then | | | | carefully though. |
| finding out how to fix it. The problems can be | | | | Sometimes the car in the front or behind the |
| identified based on the performance of the train. | | | | derailing car would be the culprit. If the car has |
| If the derailment is occurring at a particular place | | | | not been put in correctly, then it can cause |
| of the layout, there can be various reasons for | | | | derailment of the next one. |
| this to happen. One of the cars might not have | | | | The rail joints need to be aligned carefully and |
| been placed perfectly on the track. There may be | | | | properly fitted to the next one. Bumps can be |
| a switch at that place which is out of its boundary | | | | found that would result from something under the |
| or popping up the track to cause the derailment. | | | | roadbed or track, or insecure nailing of the track. |
| Any scenery or remodeling done at the particular | | | | Using a filer to smooth the top and inside corner |
| spot may have caused some changes in the | | | | at the joints can be done if required. |
| track. | | | | Sometimes the freight cars can weigh less and fail |
| If a particular car keeps derailing, then the wheels | | | | to perform accurately. The weight of the car |
| and the couplers need to be checked. The height | | | | body has to be minimum possible and they need |
| of the coupler, magnetic part of the coupler that | | | | to be centered and secured to avoid sliding out of |
| can be bent at a bad-angle, etc may cause the | | | | position. The mounting of the truck on the car |
| derailment. The couplers have to be lubricated | | | | needs to be done in a way such that they swivel |
| using a little puff of powedered graphite Teflon. | | | | freely. If there is stiffness, the wheel flanges into |
| Usually, they do not need any lubrication unless | | | | the railheads and disturbance occurs. |
| the sideframes make noise. Oil is not | | | | These little things, if taken care of immediately |
| recommended for HO brass model trains. | | | | after they are identified, will go a long way in |
| Dirt can build up on the wheels of rolling stock of | | | | making your prized collection of Brass HO trains a |
| Brass HO trains, or the tread part. The wheelsets | | | | thing to envy. A few minutes of adjustments |
| have to be in gauge and centered on the axles. It | | | | that are made, even in front of the visitors, can |
| is best checked while buying the piece. If they go | | | | lessen the number of problems that occur in |
| out of gauge, they can usually be adjusted by | | | | future. |