Awhile back I had been switching the trains over the from the 1989-1996 to the 1975-1982 era, running each new train around the layout as I did. The U30C / U25B consist was westbound on the SP line when the U30C derailed on the curve in the most recently completed area of the layout coming to rest near the steel viaduct and almost fell off the edge of the world.
After a bit of testing I was able to determine that the inside rail in that curve had a spot where it dipped rather abruptly. I used a set of trucks on an empty frame that would freely roll to see exactly where the derailment was starting and then confirmed the dip with a small bubble level. This was all checked when I laid the track and it was on then. I suspect that while finishing some of the scenery toward the rear of this area I must have placed some of my weight on the track near the front edge. The rail was not bent, just pushed down in relation to the rear rail. The U30C is one of the locomotives that I had installed low profile wheels on and the shallower flange slipped out over the dipped section of the rail more easily than a deep flange would have.
The problem was solved by soaking the area with water to soften the glue and ballast, then raising the outside rail and placing a shim of .010 styrene strip under the ties.
The ballast was touched up and the area again re-soaked with a 50/50 white glue / water solution. A re-check of the entire area with my small bubble level showed everything was now within tolerance.
Wow that would have been nasty. These locos are very good runners and would be difficult to find now nor any spares.
ReplyDeleteI had to re-gauge the wheels on my lot a few times as they could derail from time to time.
Good pick up Brad.
Yes this was a close one, hanging by the coupler. Not had any wheel gauge problems with my Kato locos but have had a few Life Like's that were out of gauge.
DeleteWow, that was a lucky save!
ReplyDelete