I am still struggling with my new layout, fixing up bad spots in the track, etc. I have some Walthers AMTRAK Superliner cars, which operate fine throughout my layout; however, the single-level passenger cars continue to derail and uncouple quite often. I have tried replacing couplers and using different kinds, but I still have the problem. The Superliners have Kadee #26 couplers mounted close to the front with universal coupler boxes -- the single-level car couplers are mounted the same way, and I have tried both Kadee #26 and #29 couplers, but the cars continue to derail and uncouple quite a bit.
Any ideas on why one type of car runs well and the other type doesn't, even with the same couplers and mountings?
Posted by Elmo D. (Member # 3817) on :
Being unfamiliar with the Kadee series couplers as I am, I can not really help in that regard, but I can say that rough spots in your track may be the result.
Also, on your layout, do you have quick turns (15" radius) or steep sudden grades?
If you do, running the trains over these at the extremes (very fast or very slow) can result in an uncoupling.
Also, just as a precaution, make sure your double deckers' weight is proportional to that of the singles'. If the weights are not right, they could all be having an effect on each other.
I bought the Athearn Amtrak set with the F9a and a set of 4 passenger cars and have had slight problems as you have when I run the whole train.
Posted by mikesmith (Member # 447) on :
My Walthers Superliners track great on my elevated RR (14-car lashup), however the IHC single level passenger cars derail and uncouple if you look at them wrong, no matter what part of the 100 feet of track they are occupying...
If you find a cure, I'd be interested.
Posted by Chuck Walsh (Member # 677) on :
Are the single level Walthers cars BUDDS? If so there have been a few problems. They require 24" radius, out of gage wheels, couplers sit too high. too-too much wheel drag.