This weekend I went through my old locos from 30 plus years ago to sort out what could be got moving and what could be scrapped / kept for parts. I got 2 old 0-6-0 tank engines running again, an LNER and a GWR Pannier. The GWR runs so smoothly you can hardly hear it, and can crawl at an amazingly slow pace. I placed it on the layout, and watched it negotiate ‘Y’ points and medium radius turnouts (all electrofrog). However, when it came to a double slip, large radius curved or express turnout, it stalled / jumped/derailed as the gap between the check rail and the outer rail appears too small. I installed a temporary fiddle yard for my branch line last week, and have used some old Peco setrack Insulfrog points – given the line from the branch to the main station is comprised of ‘Y’ and medium radius electrofrog turnouts, it means the GWR Pannier can be used – much to my relief. Now I’m aware of the thickness of the wheel flange and the back to back measurement perhaps not as accurate as they need to be for modern electrofrog point work, but why does it work on the ‘Y’’ and medium electrofrog turnouts, but not on the others? It suggests a small difference in the turnout manufacture. Any ideas? Befuddled of Setforth.
Hi Dave Others may be able to shed light on any differences, which may also be due to age, as tolerances have tightened and became finer so have the track to accomodate them. I'd check the loco wheel's back to back settings, as even a small amount may just fix the issue. It may even be worth videoing the loco and offending points, to see exactly where the issue happens, and does it happen if you turn the loco round. I have seen people fit shims of plasticard to the check rails to help guide wheels on older track work. Paul
Paul. Many thanks. Checked the back to back (which I guess I should have done first anyway) and found them to be 13.87 and 13.85. I've given them a tweak to 14.40 and that seems to have fixed the problem. My internal micrometer is elsewhere so I've used an external micrometer and done some maths to get the measurement, so when I'm reunited with the internal one I'll get them checked properly. Then there are about another 4 or 5 that will probably need the same adjustment. Should have built a bigger MPD! Dave C.
True - although digital vernier calipers are less than a fiver on E Bay, and can have other uses. So thinking about it I'll just buy another rather than wait for me to be reunited with my current one - because we all know what will happen - next time I need one where it currently is it will be at home in the railway room.
Dave C wrote: Aye, when you put the new one in a safe place, low and behold there is the other one, and next time you need them, they'll be in a safe place that you still can't find - don't ask how I know My issue with the digital very-near gauge, I can never fin the batteries Paul
