posted
I have had problems with my Athearn freight cars (HO scale) staying on the track. I bought 2 new pre-assembled oil tanker cars, which derail quite often on my layout, yet my older freight cars (from 15 years ago) run fine. I am using standard horn-hook couplers on the freight cars -- they seem to work better than the Kadee knuckle-type couplers (which I use for passenger trains). I also bought some new Athearn boxcars, which I have put together -- one of them has already fallen on the floor and the coupler boxes broken off; the other one runs "okay" but is "shaky" on the track.
Is this a standard defect in Athearn cars? If so, what brands run better? Thanks--
Roger Hensley Member # 1374
posted
I don't know. I've never had any problems with Athearn cars. I even use Athearn wheels and trucks as replacements for other cars. Two things come to mind. One is a matter of weight. You need 1 oz minimum plus 1/2 oz per inch of car. A 6 inch car would weigh 4 oz.
The second is that your statement that you use horn-hook couplers rather than Kadee tells me that you may have track problems. Sudden dips or rises will uncouple Kadees just like it would on the real railroads.
Mr. Toy Member # 311
posted
For some reason Athearn's "Ready-to-Roll" line has a lot of trouble staying on the track. I've never been able to figure out why. The passenger cars are especially bad in this regard, but I've also had some minor challenges with the freight cars as well. Frankly, I won't touch the RTR series anymore for that reason. But the kits work just as well as ever.
Elmo D. Member # 3817
posted
The weight is a big factor. I have noticed that my older freight cars are heavier and do run a little smoother.
Make sure your track is even. Get at eye level to your layout and look and then run your finger over it. If your finger gets pricked, then you have a problem. Running your trains at extreme speeds (really slow or really fast) will have the most problems over these track irregularities.
Like Roger says too, dips and jars in the layout, such as sharp turns or sudden steep grades can also have a major effect on the running.
Have to admit though, out of all the cars I have, Athearns are the nicest, most detailed of the bunch.
posted