Your Friends Will Envy Your Model Train When You Learn These 3 Secrets To Stop Derailments

It is such a pain when your model railroad engine jumps its tracks, isn't it!

It surely is for me. Or at least, it was. It was like some kind of twisted merry-go-round of fixing one area of the track, then another area got messed up. Or at least it was until I learned three easy solutions.

I have to tell you it was a real relief because I almost walked away from this hobby I love so much!

You'd like to know these three tips,too. Wouldn't you? Well okay.

Check your track joints. The should be snug and smooth. Makes sense, right? Well, this seems to be so overlooked because it's a leading cause of model train derailments among new and old enthusiasts alike. To solve this problem, just drag your finger along the track to discover any loose and uneven joints. Then try snugging them up. Some people even solder the joints together then file them smooth. If you do this, be sure to file them because any rough spots will cause your train to catch and derail.

Check that you have the right gauge track for your rolling stock. If the track is too tight, the cars wheels will grab, and throw the train off, and - boom - you've got a nasty derailment on your hands. If the track gauge is too wide, the wheel flanges will fail to catch the rails properly, and again, derailments ahead! The fix for this not to tear up all the track. What a nightmare that would be! All you have to do is heat up the track with a soldering iron and ease them into place. Be careful while doing this, though. Precision counts - otherwise you just might have to replace the track after all!

Dull switch points often cause derailments. You can use the finger test here. If the switchers are not sharp and do not fit together well, your rolling stock will catch and be thrown off the rails. The solution is to use a file to smooth out the switcher. It is important to note that if you install new switchers, you will need to be sure they are smooth as well, so filing them will solve this problem.

Apply these three secrets to the perfect smooth ride, and you're model train will give you loyal, problem free fun. For the price of a little regular maintenance, you'll enjoy the greatest hobby in the world even more!