Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Scale Lionel Mth

Doesn't it just drive you crazy when your model trains jump off track?

I know it used to really get under my skin, until I figured out how to stop it. It seems like I would fix one section of the track and the very next day the train would be falling off another one.

Seriously, I almost gave up this beloved hobby of mine, but I'm sure glad I didn't.

Most railroad model beginners only dream of having the perfect, smooth running train. The good news for you is that it doesn't have to only be a dream. In fact, with just a little easy and fun attention to detail, your model train will be gliding along, smooth as silk.

So what are the 7 secrets for stopping those annoying derailments?

1. You must properly fit, align and level every joint on your track.

Just common sense, right? You'd think so, but even if model railroaders know this to be fact, you'd be surprised at how many don't do it. In fact, improperly or just plain sloppily assembled track joints are the number one cause for model train derailments.

So how do you cure these ailing joints? Simple. Just slide your finger along the track. If it's properly assembled, the joints will be level, with barely a gap between the track sections. Some people even solder the joints, then file them smooth. The result is a train that glides along like a cloud because any possibility of expansion and contraction of the track sections has been eliminated.

2. Double check the gauge for the joints, turnouts, and frog assemblies.

If your model train is jumping its tracks, a wrong track gauge could be the culprit.

Is the gauge too narrow? If so, that creates friction, and the wheels climb up and over the rails.

Likewise, if the gauge is too wide, the train derails because the wheel flanges fail to span the track and engage properly with the rail.

Does this mean you have to tear up all that track and lay down new sections of a different gauge? Absolutely not. Just use your soldering iron to slightly heat the rail, then reposition it to match your rolling stock carriages.

Be sure to do this with a light hand, and allow it to cool before running your train.

3. Sharpen up those switchers!

Have you inspected your switch points recently? Or installed new ones? In either case, the switch points should be sharp and smooth, not blunt, as blunt areas on the track will cause the wheels to grab, and the next thing you know, your rolling stock isn't rolling any more, but on its side in a ditch!

The remedy? Break out the file again, and smooth and sharpen any blunt or rough edges. And don't forget to double check the gauge in either position of the switch.

4. Does your rolling stock need 'couplers counseling'?

Did you know that new carriages often have unpolished couplers? Those rough couplers can cause your train to derail when they snag each other.

But again there's an easy fix: just pull out the manufacturer's instructions and see what they recommend for smoothing out and polishing up you specific make of coupler.

5. Weight that freight!

An underweight freight car might be riding unevenly on the rails. As you can imagine, this is another great opportunity for your train to try to jump the track.

By adding a little bit of weight to the car you'll nip this problem in the bud.

Just remember, you want your cars to be balanced, so center the weight and keep it low. Follow this procedure carefully and you'll create a stable center of gravity.

Your heart will race with excitement as you watch your train zip around tight radius curves without a hitch!

6. Your wheel sets love to rock and roll

So let them! That's their job, after all. The carriages should rock and roll over the track, like shock absorbers, to smooth the ride.

When they are improperly gauged, misaligned, or constricted, it makes it easier for derailments.

7. 'The Squeaky Wheel Gets The Oil'

And so it should be! Those squeaks, no matter how small, are telltale signs of problems to come! Even a tiny drop of light oil in the right place can fix up the biggest of derailment problems. If you wheels or couplers are not lubricated properly, next stop snag-ville and there, the whole thing derails!

A word of caution here: remember that oil attracts dust and that will gum up the works and make the problem even worse. Another thing to be aware of: oil can also damage that slick paint job you spent so much time on, so, when it comes to the lube job, a little goes a long way, and clean up any excesses or spillages.

And there you have it!

With these seven secrets to smooth sailing (or railing, as it may be), those annoying derailments won't derail your model train running fun any more!

John V. Smith has had almost 30 years experience with model railroading. His passion for model trains began with a Lima train O scale when he was a kid, and grew to a near obsession. To learn more, or to see a recent review of popular "how to" books on model trains visit his blog at: http://johnsreviews-modeltrainbuildingguides.blogspot.com/.

Lionel LIO82109 Large Scale Brass Pins $18.03 Large scale brass pins are used for Lionel Large Scale track. Huge selection to choose from. Made from the finest materials. Satisfaction ensured.

Lionel LIO82115 Large Scale Railsounds Button Unit $28.67 Large Scale Railsounds Sound Activator Button. Requires 9 Volt Battery (Not Supplied) Use with Lionel G locomotives equipped with Railsounds. Only works with Lionel Large Scale Locomotives equipped with the Railsounds system. Connects directly to the track. One wire for each rail. Instructions included.

Railroad (Double) Crossing: a Novel: A Skirmish in the Lionel Vs Mth Train War $6.62 No Synopsis Available

Calendar,Wall,Mth,Puppies $12.99 CALENDAR,WALL,MTH,PUPPIES

Calendar,Wall,Mth,Scenic $12.99 CALENDAR,WALL,MTH,SCENIC

A Century of Legendary Lionel Trains - $24.99 In this two-tape set, the history of the Lionel model train company is presented, from its beginnings in 1900 to modern times. Host and avid Lionel collector, Tom Snyder visits several collectors in A Century of Lionel Trains, and checks out their formidable layouts. He also speaks with Lionel Chairman Emeritus Richard Kughn. The model train enthusiast will see many of the classics in action, including the Norfolk Western J, 75th Anniversary Set, the Standard gauge Blue Comet, the scale Hudson, the Santa Fe F-3s, and the articulated steamer trains. ~ Alice Day, Rovi

Lionel LIO82000 Large Scale Straight Track $21.84 Large Scale TrackThis electric track system is not compatible with track (711038 711040 or 711039) or with sets (711000 711022 or 711080). Features Gauge: Large Scale/G Gauge. Length: 113/4 .

Lionel LIO82016 Manual Left $42.53 Lionel 82016 Left Hand Manual Switch in the original box. Overall condition is MINT. Scale/Era: G Scale Model. Type: Track/Switches/Etc. Original Box: Yes. Made with the Best Quality Material with your child in mind. Top Quality Children's Item.

Lionel LIO22477 Lionel Tin Sign Replica 4 Pack $30.41 SelfAdhesive. Metal Construction. 0.75 x 1 rectangle. 0.75 Diameter. Scale Size. Prototypical Designs Gauge: Traditional O Gauge. RailLine: Lionel Lines.

Lionel LIO22366 Alum Pass 4 Wheel Scale Trucks $30.58 Replacement Trucks for 4 Wheel Aluminum Passenger cars with Power Pick-Up's (2) Lionel Model Trains. Made from the finest materials. Satisfaction ensured.

Lionel LIO82004 Large Scale Wide Radius Curved Track $17.64 Lionel Wide-Radius Curved Track Bulk. Huge selection to choose from. Ready to ship at your convenience. Made from the finest materials. Satisfaction ensured.

Lionel LIO82001 Large Scale Curved Track $21.84 12 Pieces make a 4.3 diameter circle Gauge: Large Scale/G Gauge. Length: 13 . Design is stylish and innovative. Satisfaction ensured.

Lionel LIO82108 Manual Uncoupler $18.76 In Stock and Ready to Ship!Here is a Lionel 8-82108 Large Scale Manual Uncoupler for use with any straight section of track. Just push and hold button to uncouple cars. It is made to work with rolling stock that uses a knuckle coupler or latch style coupler system.

CALENDAR,PLNR JRNL MTH,GN $12.99 CALENDAR,PLNR JRNL MTH,GN

PLANNER,PROF, PREM,MTH,BK $13.99 PLANNER,PROF, PREM,MTH,BK

Planner,Desk,Large,Mth,Bk $12.99 PLANNER,DESK,LARGE,MTH,BK

Card,Thinkng Kds Mth,Gr-2 $29.99 CARD,THINKNG KDS MTH,GR-2

Card,Thinkng Kds Mth,Gr-5 $29.99 CARD,THINKNG KDS MTH,GR-5

Lionel $29.99 Liv & Flo Lionel - Framed Art Print

Lionel LIO22325 10 Milk Cans - White $20.78 Color: White. 10 White Milk Cans. 1: 48 Scale. Lionel Model Trains. Made from the finest materials. Satisfaction ensured.

Lionel LIO22325 10 Milk Cans White $25.73 Color: White. 10 White Milk Cans. 1: 48 Scale. Lionel Model Trains. Made from the finest materials. Satisfaction ensured.

Lionel LIO87400 Pennsylvania Gondola $47.73 This is a Lionel 87400 Pennsylvania Gondola. This gondola features a brakewheel, plastic trucks, operating knuckle couplers, plastic wheels and axles. It has some dust spots inside, a few scratches, and JB weld on both trucks. Overall condition is Very Good-plus. The original box is included. Overall condition is Very Good. The Trainz SKU for this item is 3212040. Condition: Very Good+ TCA Grade: C-6 TCA Grading. Original Box: Yes. Box Condition: P-7 Box Grading. Scale/Era: G Scale. Model Type: Freight Cars. Road Name: Pennsylvania.

Lionel LIO91006 New York Central F3 $36.33 The Classic Collector Series. For the serious collector and Lionel history buff. Produced in 1:120 scale, these locomotives are die-cast replicas of famous lionel locomotives from the past. Details included moving wheels and authentic decoration. Lionel collector line In 1:120 scale, they are not meant to run on tracks but to occupy a shelf or desktop when not kept in the special collector tin (included). These engines and tender are die-cast with moving wheels and authentic decoration. Information in each package gives more detail about featured trains. Decorative tin. 1:120 Scale. For ages 8 and up. Die-cast and detailed, with moving wheels and authentic decoration, each F3 series Lionel Big, Rugged trains edition brings the majesty and adventure of railroading back in super small scale.

Lionel LIO17129 9300 Wm 3-Bay Hopper with Coal $57.39 Here is a Lionel 17129 Western Maryland 3-Bay Hopper Car w/ Coal Load. This scale sized hopper features die cast trucks operating couplers and a simulated coal load.

Lionel LIO92002 Nyc Hudson with Moving Wheels $40.18 Lionel produced this collector line in 1999. In 1:120 scale, they are not meant to run on tracks but to occupy a shelf or desktop when not kept in the special collector tin (included). These engines and tender are die-cast with moving wheels and authentic decoration.

Lionel LIO22331 Illuminated Coffee Vending Machine $22.49 K-Line by Lionel. If the people on any O layouts are in need of some latte or regular coffee you'll have what they need with this and other illuminated vending machines. Scale size to fit perfectly where you need it.