This was a major frustration for me. I would fix one section of the track and the next day the train would derail on another section.

It frustrated me to the point of wanting to give the hobby away..!

A smooth running model train is a dream for most model train beginners. But it is actually quite easy to achieve with a little attention to detail.

Here are 7 ways to stop your model train derailing:

1 – Ensure every joint on your track is level, aligned and properly fitted.

Sounds like common sense? But poorly assembled track joints are the worst offenders for derailing model trains.

Slide your finger across the joint. It should feel level with the gap between the tracks kept to the absolute minimum. I solder my joints because this stops any problems with expansion and contraction opening and closing of the joints.

With a small file I am able to create a continuously level track and have a beautifully smooth running model train.

2 – Check your track gauge on joints, turnouts and frog assemblies.

Another common problem for model train derailments is incorrect track gauge. A tight track gauge will cause the wheels to climb up and derail off the track.

A wide track gauge will also derail your model train as the wheel flanges can not span the track properly. The gauge can be adjusted using a soldering iron to gently heat the rail, moving the rail to the correct position and allowing it to cool.

3 – Check your switch points for sharpness when they switch.

Some new switch points can be fairly blunt on the movable section where it strikes up against the stock rails. This can grab on the wheels and cause a model train derailment.

A small file can be used to gently smooth the moveable part of the points to allow a nice smooth transition. Remember to check the gauge in both positions.

4 – Check all your model train couplers.

A snagging coupler will cause model train derailments. Some new carriages can come with unpolished couplers which can catch and force derailments.

Clean off any rough edges and adjust the couplers for proper centering. The manufacturers usually provide these instructions.

5 – Add extra weight to your freight cars.

I find that most freight cars are too light and sometimes all the wheels do not contact the rails equally. By adding a small amount of weight to the cars your model train will run smoother and you will eliminate derailments, especially on the tight radius’s.

Just make sure you add the weight as low as possible to the car and in the centre, keeping a low center of gravity.

6 – Check all your wheel sets for proper operation.

Wheel sets that are out of gauge, not aligned or moving freely will cause your model train to derail. Check your wheel sets and make sure that your carriages are not crabbing and forcing the wheel flanges into the rail, making it prone to derail.

The carriages should rock freely to take up any small imperfections in your track.

7 – Lubricate the squeaks.

Sometimes the smallest drop of light oil will cure a problem with your model train derailing. An unlubricated or snaggy wheel, or coupler, can cause a slight tip over, or jar, which usually forces the wheel flange to snag the rail and derail your model train.

Oil attracts dust and can damage paintwork, so make sure you use only the smallest amount required.

Now you have no reason to put up with your model train derailing.

It usually comes down to a small bit of maintenance from time to time. With the quality most manufacturers are producing today, and some ongoing maintenance, you can make model train derailments a thing of the past.

Omaha, Neb., August 13, 2010 – Union Pacific Railroad will improve Nebraska and Wyoming’s transportation infrastructures by investing nearly $9 million to improve the rail line from Ogallala, Neb., to near Cheyenne, Wyo.

Work on two projects covering more than an 85-mile stretch of railroad track began August 8 and is scheduled to be completed by mid September.  One section is between west of Ogallala to Julesburg, Colo., and the second project is west of Sidney, Neb., to near Cheyenne, Wyo.

The projects includes removing and installing nearly 59,000 ties, spreading more than 42,000 tons of rock ballast to reinforce the roadbed and replacing the surfaces at 50 grade crossings Crews will also replace a total of nearly 3.5 miles of rail in various curves between Ogallala, Neb., to near Cheyenne, Wyo.  

Union Pacific plans to spend approximately $2.6 billion in 2010 to support America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhance the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network. Improved and additional rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, helping to build a cleaner environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, freight trains are nearly four times more fuel efficient than trucks. Motorists also benefit from reduced congestion on highways as a single Union Pacific train can remove up to 300 trucks off our roads.

About Union Pacific:

Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leadingtransportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible  and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.

The SD70ACe is the latest in the line of EMD’s “70″ locomotives, an evolution of the SD70MAC, although its radiator design harkens more to that of the SD80/90 body. The SD70ACe has been designed to fit the latest EPA standards and regulations, and sports 4300 horsepower

This finely detailed N scale model features:

• Heritage units will be specially painted with their unique paint schemes to honor their respective railroads
• Newly designed prototype-accurate bolsterless non-radial HTSC truck and five chime airhorn
• Exceptional and crisp molding to accentuate the distinct angular lines of the nose and high dynamic brake
• Powerful five-pole KATO motor with dual brass flywheels
• Directional Headlight and illuminated, preprinted numberboards
• Illuminated ditch lights
• Kato magnetic knuckle coupler
• DCC Friendly mechanism ready for drop-in decoder installation

The Union Pacific has currently put in the largest purchase order for these units, and as a display of respect for the railroads it has incorporated, has produced six “Heritage” style painted locomotives with road numbers designated by the year they were merged into the UP.

I currently have a number of these in my own personal collection, and I have to say that I really like the quality, detail and smooth running of these great locomotives.

We’re back on the world wide web asfter some technical difficulties with our domain name hosting service.

We had a technical issue with our domain name host.  They forgot to send out a reminder for us to pay the domain name fee so they just shut down the web site for a few days.  of course, I did not know what was happening as I am not a web expert as you can imagine.  I prefer to spend time collecting and running my model railroad collection.  Anyway, I have paid the domain hosting for another two years, so I should not get into too much trouble between now and then.