Hello Charlie, love your latest video. As you know I model in Scalefour which has a track gauge of 18.83 mm, and a flange depth of only .66mm, as I model Southern Region EMU’s in the 60’s the maximum line speed on my layout is a scale 70 mph, which to some modellers might seem a bit slow. As for couplings, because the LNER (and some A4 locomotives), the Southern Railway, and early British Railways coaching stock where coupled together using buckeye couplers, all my coaches are fitted with Kadee couplings, for my goods wagons and NPS I continue to use 3 link or screw couplings. So why do I think I know why my fellow OO modellers have derailments. 1: First and foremost they run their trains far too fast, most real trains have speed restrictions and don’t travel at 150mph everywhere. 2: OO curved setrack rails are too tight, high speeds plus sharp curves equals a derailment, and it also causes buffer locking. When I started modelling in P4/S4 with .66 mm wheel flanges, I had a lot of derailments, so I relaid my track correctly. I removed any kinks in my track laying, then I built in transition curves and superelevation on to my curved track, allowing higher train speeds and to give my track a more realistic look ( Flexi track is best for transition curves and normally cheaper) 3: And most OO rolling stock is too light, running locomotives at high speed pulling light weight rolling stock causes the rolling stock to bounce off the rails. I was once advised to weight a standard 4 wheel goods wagon to at least 50 to 60 grams. I hope this reply to your excellent video will help other modellers to solve their derailment problems, as it took me many years to solve mine. PS. Did you manage to find an old Wills track cleaning wagon ? Best Regards Barry
IIRC BR had a similar problem with 4-wheel 9' wheelbase wagons bouncing of the rails on CWF track that had been ballasted for high speed running, and that the speeds involved were speeds that the wagons happily ran in sectional track
What an excellent comment Bazza. I couldn’t agree more. McKinley produced a video on the “weight of freight” and is well worth a watch. Regards Charlie
Sadly many are to quick to blame manufacturers not their track work or choice of surface to lay their track on. Good to see this being discussed by a couple of serious channels that don't take the mick. Always a chuckle to be had at people being so angry that their models derail when even real railways are yet to fully eliminate this issue even with billions of research and centuries of improvement.
train kits and other bits, Thank you for your reply earlier. I honestly cannot find my origianl comment that you replied to. In Australia, the local machine shops have also disappeared, or are disappearing. It is something I considered, but the cost of fuel would really add up. I have ordered a back-to-back from one UK Shop, that had reasonable postage charges. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael
@@michaelimpey1407 all good, and yeah in some places there has been a decline in businesses that could do it but maybe im spoilt for choice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne I could tell you of probably 20 places that you could walk up and get one made no issues.
@@Samstrainss , when I lived in Melbourne I would agree with you, same with Hobart. I am now on the Central Coast of NSW, and just not around anymore. Not enough work, and better opportunities elsewhere I assume. Cheers Michael
Thank you so much for another superb video. Funnily enough I’ve just been doing some test running and kept on getting derailments with Hornby coaches. It turned out to be the kinetic couplings that, unlike the Bachmann ones, have rough pieces on the rubbing plates between the coupling and the rear of the headstock. This stopped the coupling returning to ‘normal’ after a curve. (If that makes sense). A little work with an abrasive stick sorted things out but it just goes to show how many variables there are in investigating derailment causes. Just like the real thing then. Looking forward to the building of helix 2. Tony
Sage advice on wheel gauge that I'd extend to the entire truck. Gauge is critical, especially important to check out of the box & whenever you buy used. The connection between truck and body is also critical. I have a used HO boxcar that's pristine looking. But hold it upside down and turn the trucks like they're going through curves and you can actually watch the screws turning themselves out. It would literally lose its trucks after a few clockwise runs around a layout. Setting the tightness on all new & new-to-you rolling stock... er... wagons, and check it again after a dozen or so good uses is equally good for avoiding problems.
Hello Charlie,. I know you are very busy (especially reading messages) so I'll be terse. For you to say that all model railways have derailments, and that they are not recorded, I thought, was absolutely brilliant. I for one, look at many layouts (yours inclusive) and think... how brilliant it must be to own a model railway to have an impeccable running session. So far from the truth. I loved the pugnacious approach to addressing the issue, and I thank you dearly. Thanks Charlie Lee
Great video again, Charlie. We all know Rule 1 of model railways: Rule 2 is that wagons and coaches will only derail when you are not watching them. :-) I first came across the kinematic close couplings in the 1970s on Röwa coaches (German HO but 1:100 length). We bought a few from Victors (RIP) and were amazed when we got them home and on the layout to find that they not only coupled corridor connection to corridor connection, but also went round our dodgy trackwork. Röwa went bust, and were bought out by Roco, who continued to make them, though Röwa's designer, Willi Ade, went his own way, and produced fine scale proper 1:87 models of the 26.4m long coaches. Amazed the Lux cleaner didn't send the dogfish flying. Weight in goods wagons has always been an issue (I guess because it's not as easy to hide a weight under the seats like in passenger coaches) - as I'm sure you're aware, throwing a few nuts in may not work, as the centre of gravity may be too high: you need to get the weight as low as possible.
Thanks for your very interesting and informative video presentation Charlie. I always enjoy watching your videos. The information presented is practical and helpful. With a bit of humour thrown in. I particularly like the wheel cleaner. I agree with your thoughts on track, couplings and wheels to have a well running train. Something I do to check if a Rail vehicle is the right length for a curve. I set the vehicle. (Be it a locomotive or wagon, passenger or freight). On the curved track. If the couplers, when centred with the wagon are inside the 4 foot. And the coupler is in the track centre when pushed to its full range of travel in the coupler box. The Rail vehicle is the correct length for the curve. This is for body mounted couplers of course. Which is why, as you no doubt know. Many manufacturers have bogie mounted couplers. So the longer wagons and locomotives are able to successfully negotiate tighter curves. Clearance testing is also an important part of layout design. Especially when running American articulated steam locomotives as I do.
Charlie: You boldly address issues that every model railroader has to deal with. The dreaded derailment! Weight of cars, curve radius, turnouts, and coupler design. All the books and articles I read emphasized defining the minimum radius for your layout. This especially important with long cars. Most of these items are intuitive but there isn’t a one of us the sets a standard and just break the rules. I use mostly #6 turnouts (versus #4’s). Great video.
“If a picture paints a thousand words” you have written several books with your stripped back no nonsense educational video. Thank you, for demonstrating such an important subject.
Hi Charlie, I'd just like to say I've found this video and the last few videos very informative with plenty of tips I'll be taking onboard. So a big thank you, brilliant stuff. That's not to say your other videos are not informative, quite the contrary.🙂 Cheers, Julian
Hi Charlie the comment about other youtubers not showing derailments and thus everyone else thinking it doesn't happen in absolutely true. I've been struggling a lot with derailments on my first loft layout and this is so enlightening!
Every time I see those Dogfish wagons I’m transported back to my childhood and the naughty trucks in the Thomas book! Great video as always Charlie - thank you for sharing.
Enjoying your videos Charlie. I have replaced all my very narrow nem couplings for Hornby medium nem couplings which fit Dapol, Hornby and Bachman. I have also removed the tabs which are constantly trying to push the couplings back to the centre position. This does seem to have helped, especially over points. ill certainly keep watching your videos for more tips
An absolutely cracking video Charlie, brutally honest, probably very accurate and hilarious. Your descriptive talents are priceless. Keep on producing great videos and a great layout.
A masterclass in how to make an interesting and entertaining video about one of the least interesting and entertaining aspects of our hobby Charlie! The close-up of the HST moving off in the wrong direction made me laugh out loud and the ballast train at the diamond crossing was the icing on the cake. I think I will also adopt your approach to “scenic” and “non-scenic” trains for types of couplings as I also have a helix - a great way of thinking about it, rather than slavishly using just one type of coupling (as I had been planning to do). Thanks for sharing your experience and interesting tips and ideas, as always.
Hi Charlie - you demonstrate some interesting issues and its nice to see that you don't duck the issue of the dreaded derailments. At present I'm having to re-lay a section of track at the top of my helix since many locos derail on it and it was definitely my fault - I didn't take enough care laying the track originally - aargh!!! The other thing that I noticed is the HST buffet car derailment - I have a similar one on my HST set, all fitted with Hunt couplings and it constantly derails and it has done so since new. It's been fitted with a variety of couplings during its life, the original Hornby ones, Keen system ones and latterly the Hunt Couplings. I've checked the back to back measurements, I've swapped bogies off other Mk 3 coaches but the problem persists although derailments of it are less often than they used to be. I just cannot work out why it happens. Hope that your fix on yours will stand the test of time.Thanks for the video.
Great to here that you allso accept railway modeling is not a perfect science, over my many years of modelling Iike you have become a realist about these problems and accepted them as part of the norm .Your very good vid goes a long way to helping all modellers to improve the troublesome trucks,great stuff Rob A
Hi Charlie, A few years ago I read an artical about adding weight to early hornby tank wagons, it worked a treat so thought i'd pop it on here incase it is of use on your freightliner wagons - the tip was to drill a 5 or 6mm hole on the bottom of the tank and pump it full of silicon sealant - this once set adds enough weight to overcome bouncing derailments and is a pretty cheap option. As you've screwed you containers down on the wagon bed this should work for them too, especially if you only do the outer 2 boxes, it might help with the sagging too. Cracking channel and loving the layout as it developes. All the best Rich
Hi Charlie Love it. Simple? Problem solving. Once again warts and all. So encouraging when you see you have some of my problems. You are so right when I watch some other videos where everything goes right you question your own ability. It's not always my fault ! Back to back really worth checking on all stock I now realize. Well done once again and thanks. Look forward to next episode. Howard
Charlie, first off it was nice to meet you at the west camel railway clubs open day, Managed to pick up another Class 50 for £75 which was an absolute steel! We have plenty of derailments, especially on the lift up section. Normally caused by alignment of joins, we also have issues with bogies on some rolling stock being over tightened. We had an absolute nightmare with Hornbys Pullman coaches, Glad to say its now resolved but had to change out couplings.
A timely presentation, Charlie. I'm going through testing of my track with various train consists, both freight and passenger. With all of my rolling stock being equipped with Kadee couplers, the vertical curves have become the bane of my existence. I am now working through my rolling stock to test all couplers for their positioning above top of rail. Simultaneously I am working to flatten out the vertical curve as best as possible. Not what I had hoped to be doing at this point but pushing through it.
Great to see another video from you Charlie - and I feel your pain! I've just put together a train with two Hornby Class 73s top-and-tailing, and for some reason I just can't get it to do a full circuit of the layout without derailing somewhere. Suspect my shoddy trackwork may well be to blame, so there will be engineering works and a rail replacement bus service operating until I can be bothered to sort it out 😂 Your honesty and humility make this channel unique - it's great to see end results, but the hurdles and challenges we face on the way are just as much a part of the hobby. Love it.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie :) I've figured out the problem with my Class 73s as well - there was a small bit of detail on the bogie frames that was fouling the 3rd rail. Normal service resumed 😂
Charlie, I think what I like most about your videos, besides the knowledge you part to us, is that you show it how it is and tell how it is. It is what it is! I am a firm believer in testing and tweaking track, locos and rolling stock before getting into scenery. I still chuckle over your "unboxing" video. I run all steam locos, no diesels. I am running 2-8-0s. I don't want to be tearing up scenery if my track laying mistakes will cause me tear out a section of layout. I also don't like to be showing my trains running with constant derailments. So, I use my most sensitive steam model loco as my test locomotive. I now have seven of the 2-8-0s by the same manufacturer. These particular 2-8-0s will seriously enhance any flaw in the track laying where other manufactures' model steam locomotives are more forgiving. Once I see that my test 2-8-0 can navigate through the layout without a bump or wobble I know the rest of my 2-8-0s will also do the same. However, I do tune up each one. Why seven of the same model? The real world railway I model after had seven Baldwin C-16s and one 0-6-0 Porter tank engine. Great video!
Hi Charlie, what a great video. There are numerous causes of derailments and you have covered all in a very enlightening and humorous manner....Thanks Greg
Thank you Charlie for another brilliant video much enjoyed watching your rolling stock go round the laying and up and down the helix and you shareing your problems with use very honest video and useful information on tools you had to use food for thought has I'm in limbo with my layout whether to move it out the loft to a shed. Take care Charlie look forward to the next one kind regards Gary
I had a rake of those hoppers and they were constantly derailing on tracks that were good for the rest of my rolling stock so I got rid of them and bought a reke of EVA hoppers which run dine right out of the box . Also for your squeaky wheels on the freightliner wagons add a spot of white grease to the axle ends . as always Charlie great information for us to contemplate
Excellent video ! Sods Law has Sods Law written all over it !!!! I have seen your previous videos and after checking all my rolling stock, and correcting them, I have virtually no derailments ever. I have a 4-4-0 where the drive wheels are a bit out but nothing I can do about that: Hornby's fault. It just needs to run round a few times on its own to 'warm it up' and then it seems ok. . . . bit bizarre but as you say "we are where we are". Cheers x
Super interesting video, you have such a calming way of explaining subjects and your humour at times makes me chuckle. Just wish my Covid would clear up because every time I laugh it gives me a coughing fit. Thanks again , you are a star.
Charlie, you should automate the wheel scrubber to power on and off at will with IR sensors before and after on that fiddle yard line and to trigger the scrubber in both directions. One of the best things about your channel Charlie is the way you research, Annalize and amend the issues you are faced with concerning rolling stock and the layout build problems. You are methodic in finding the solutions to faults and explain in the best feasible way you know how to tackle them.
The piece causing your derailment with the Class 47 is known as a rail guard. It's purpose is to clear away things like bricks (that the kids used to like leaving on the tracks to surprise us drivers from time to time) or other sizable debris that isn't big enough to strike the front buffer beam. Stones on the track just make you jump but do no real harm so nobody worries about those kinds of items.
Charlie, I took a few minutes to go back and look at the origins of Chadwick Model Railway to see just how far you've come with your empire. Suffice to say, you have a whole lot of model railway now my friend! It's great to watch trains rolling along on your trackage and the expanse of the layout. Well done, I say, Charlie! This is another great video; we all have to thrash out the gremlins to keep the wheels on the track, and you expertly show us how to approach the problem. Really looking forward to the next in the series - completing the final loop! Thanks again, mate!
Hi Charlie ,I run a small ho scale american switching layout and like you I suffered many derailments with a few KDee logging cars .I hve taken your tip and increased the weight of the single logs by hollowing them out and filling them with a brass rod .They run much better now with no derailments (ha ha so far ) thanks again for all your vids ,best regards Rob A👍
Thank you, that was so much fun to watch. I always come to your videos for a bit of a pick-me-up. Your videos are not just entertaining and informative, but the pure joy of the hobby just flows out of you and on to the screen. We all have frustrations with the hobby at times. Love your consistent ‘built by man, can be fixed by man’ attitude. Thanks again, and keep up the great content.
Another excellent video Charlie. You are right, many videos are edited so de-rails and uncoupling aren't shown, so a realistic video showing what can happen is really useful. I had one occasion when the coaches decided to fall off the track to one side, but then I was using tighter curves than 3rd radius. One other issue particularly with freight stock is the use of kit built wagons/vans. It can be that the frame sides aren't perfectly aligned, so you end up with parallel axles but they try to run crabwise and de-rail. I now use a Brassmasters jig to ensure that the axles are straight and parallel. I agree with weight and wagons. I found that 9' and 10' wheelbase wagons needed to be at least 35 gm and recovered lead pipework, which I found underneath the floorboards of a previous house we lived in is used for this. Now in the days of H & S, I wear gloves when cutting it to size. I am sure there are modeller supplies who provide the same thing without all the hammering and cutting that I do. I have also started using one fixed axle and one compensated axle on wagons and wished I had done this from the start and have started retrofitting some of my old Airfix mineral wagons with a compensated axle. With regards to your Heljan hoppers, would it be a good idea to replace the wheels. I have a set of 3 or 4 and don't particularly like the wheels which are on them and am considering replacing them just for the look alone. I found that Bachmann back to back always had to be checked and adjusted, so I now do that as a matter of course.
Thank you for the brilliant comment Don. My problem with replacing the wheels on the dogfish wagons, is that the axle length is different. What I might try is just to replace the wheels themselves with ones from Bachmann or Hornby. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Please let me know how you get on with the wheels. I might do the same myself, but at the moment they are away in the attic in boxes.
hi Charlie, yet again a very entertaining but informative video, I an quite new to the hobby, along with my 8yr old grandson and although the chances that we will grow to the level of track you have are almost zero watching what you do and the problems you try to over come, helps even beginners like us out, with the back to back issues, the coupling problems and mostly replacing the rubbish wheels our derailments are now at a very low level and the frustration has decreased, I also try to keep the stock wheels and the track "clean' which does seem to make a difference thank you for sharing your knowledge also watching your trains run just before bedtime is very relaxing, thanks again regards Ron
Important points to bare in mind. I look forward to seeing the construction of the second helix, and the math's involved. I am also excited about how an understanding of math's can be applied to everyday situations.
Something I have discovered recently which has been an absolute breakthrough with the running of my 009 narrow gauge layout is flange depth. Yes it doesnt look as good, but the deeper old style "pizza cutter" are 10x more reliable. I reckon the gradual straying away from these in favour of more prototypical flanges has made a silent but awful reduction in reliability which has gone somewhat unoticed perhaps. Spent ages chasing microscopic trackwork issues only to find that the deeper flange wheels (within reason of course) have quite literally transformed my layouts reliability! food for thought.
Charlie, I see the McKinley Railway standard for wagon weight is 5gm per cm. I suspect your ballast wagons are considerably lighter than that. The NMRA recommended practice 20.1 would make them a lot heavier - one ounce plus half an ounce per inch. Or in metric 28gm plus 5.6gm per cm. The NMRA recommendation is for HO scale US freight cars which will have two bogies and are longer than British four wheel wagons. The NMRA recommendation could restrict the length of trains that could be pulled up a gradient, but heavier is better for keeping wagons on the track as long as they all use the same rule for weight.
Yes weighing down your wagons is very interesting. However, let’s not forget that once you’ve added the weights they still have to get up the Helix! Regards Charlie
David Jenkinson always said that derailments come down to 2 factors - track or rolling stock. He said that if any vehicle derails at specific point in the track then check the track, and if a specific vehicle derails anywhere on the track at random then check the vehicle. He designed and built his own track and sometimes pushed the tolerances of his designers and paid the price. Speed would only make things worse.
Hi Charlie - I find that having point work immediately before of after a curve can cause problems and I now make sure there is at least 2 inches of straight before and after any turnout
Hello Charlie, going back to your last video and this one on couplings. Any model railway coupling would be better than the current tension-lock coupling offered to day by British model railway manufacturers. As we all know the tension-lock coupling was hurriedly designed by a Mr John Hefford of Lines Bros for their Tri-ang Railway system to avoid paying a penny royalty to Peco for use of their knuckle type of coupling, used at that time by both Peco and by Hornby Dublo. At least manufactures today are fitting a NEM pocket to their models. How ever regarding a replacement for the Tri-ang horn-hook coupling, I can see two advantages for using a NEM Kadee coupling over a NEM Hunt coupling, first the Kadee coupling looks like the prototype couplings that were/are used by the LNER, the Southern Railway and British Railways. And second Kadee couplings can be un- coupled automatically. I might be wrong, but I don’t think a Hunt Coupling can be un-coupled automatically! Looking forward to your next video. Happy modelling Regards Barry
Hi Charlie, Kalmbach just came out with a book Model Realistic Freight Car Loads, on my short list to buy, cuz I agree those freight cars look like they could use some weight. My next thing is right from the first video of yours I watched, (some time ago) not only because I luv your English trains (live across the pond not what i grew up with), but I really liked you and your down to earth style and honesty, look forward to every video on Chadwick. Thank-you.
If anything demonstrates the importance of back to backs, it is this video. Thank you for this, it was extremely valuable information very well presented!
Thanks Charlie, wish these videos where around when I designed and built my 8x4 tail chaser, I do get one or two problems but you have covered most in this video, I have some work to do with some slight modifications, happy days .
Hello Charlie. Important to realise that weight distribution in terms of the length of the train will be a big factor. Heavier items should wherever possible be directly behind the locomotive with the lightest at the rear. This was standard practice on the real railway to help avoid imbalance when negotiating curves. It's a very fine balance when it comes to the model railway world obviously. Best wishes from Slovenia.
Haven't read all the comments so someone may already have mentioned that the bits on the 47 bogie are known as Lifeguards, and, as you rightly summised, are meant to knock any obstruction off the rail before it can cause a derailment. I had to pare them down, (or up) on my Bachmann loco as it was also causing problems by being too low. Steve
Excellent video. On my coaching stock, I've combined the idea of hunt couplings (which work well but look a bit chunky) and the Bachmann close coupling brake pipes and 3D printed my own version. I'm now doing the same to my Dapol milk tankers, which are notorious for derailing because they are too light and the wheel profiles are not great. Yet to decide on loco to train coupling, as I want to be able to disconnect without manual handling.
I had a similar issue with my wheel cleaner, so I tapered the top of the track on entry and exit and cured the problem that way. Sorry but I will continue with my Kadee's throughout. Over the years I have tried several different couplings but none are as good or as these, especially when it comes to reliably coupling any different rolling stock to each other or shunting. I have found though that the Class 66s because of the way they are designed, they will only couple up to rolling stock, without my help, on a straight piece of track. But I suspect they would have similar problems with tension lock as well.
With regards to the tension couplings, the tail of it was to be raised by the uncoupler ramps that Hornby used to split a rake of rolling stock. If your not using one, the base of the tails could be cut higher so they clear the top of the rail!
Well done Charlie 👍 I find life with all its awful problems depressing at times. I am so greatful to close the windows and drfift away to your world. Nice and calming to watch and it feels me with hope that the world is not all bad. I suppose it's what model railway are about. It's each person escape to a time and place that bring back happy memories. I wonder how many scenery on people railways are based on places they grow up in. I remember as a child my nan walking with her and the dogs over fields then to cross a unmanned railway crossing. My nan looking up the track saying we safe now then at times remember see a train approach was such excitement. That scene is so clear in my mind. I did in recent years visit this place and it was a housing estate all that remain is the small stream I remember walking past. So one day when I build my own layout the crossing will once again see trains. Thsnks again it means so much to enjoy your channel. Best wishes. Tony
@@ChadwickModelRailway I watched the one with expand foam it make me laugh how much it grown over night. Will you be launching a chadwick App soon with your content and shop etc
There's a lot of palaver involved in getting stock to reliably negotiate that helix. I'm still contemplating whether to build one or not. There's very little room for my layout so I need some method to increase space eg. 2 levels. Thanks for a clear, concise explanation of the issues you've seen and how to fix most of them. Good on you Charlie.
The most useful thing you can have to find problems with track is a simple four wheeled wagon chassis with no body or top.You can see exactly what is going on at particular trouble spot rather than just seeing the end result. Worth a go!
Hey Charlie, great Video again! I was stunned to find you channel, it is really good and entertaining. Being an h0 Guy from Germany, I find it extremly interesting how your Layout, your Track and your Points work. I use the C-Gauge Tracks from Märklin, it's a three conductor Rails with plastic Ballast underneath it. And, being cast pieces of Track, geometrie is always mechanicly perfect! Sadly it is somewhat limited in Track design, as you only get like 6 diffrent grades of curves. but it has its benefits! Pretty neat to fit Cables and Point motors, and being a three conductor AC Track, you don't get the Issue with the reverse loop. Both pieces of rail are "negative" and power is supplied through the middle conductor. Keep the great work up, I love seeing your Layout grow! Sadly I don't have a room the spare for my Railway, so it has to be occasionally put up on the floor.... But I'm expanding my Rolling Stock, my Locos and most importantly my track!
Thanks Charlie, have been having some of the problems that you explained in the video, a couple of your suggestions I had not thought about, as always keep up the good work your videos continue to inspire!
It never ceases to amaze me that after nearly 70 years the industry can't agree on a standard default coupling. Sadly I have curves that are tighter than I would like because of space constraints but nothing tighter than 3rd radius, and I have issues with the hooks overriding with the slightly different styles of tension lock couplings and then causing a derailment and particularly disappointing is my D600 Warship that has the coupling fixed to the body rather that the bogie so I cannot run it on the inner circuit. You even made the point on the video that the pipe type coupling from Hornby was inferior to the Bachmann design but why not make them to the same standard design so they can be interchangeable or do they really imagine that we are not going to buy a rival product because the couplings are not interchangeable. We are moddlers for goodness sake and most of us have a level of skill that allows us to modify things. Very interesting video as always.
An excellent comment Phil. A friend of mine said that these manufacturers produce toys, and we have to convert them into decent models! Never a truer word. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie - interesting. I've recently reversed my running lines - up to down and down to up - that identified a few areas where the trackwork needed some adjustment. All done and back to 'normal' running.
I’ve done same with my rolling stock to check for derailments. Run them 10 times runs perfect, then a derailment happens. What I’ve found for my layout some the buffers foul each other on the turns. Solution was to sort out which buffers run best against each other.
Ignore my prattling. The things you pointed make a major difference in the operation of our trains and how often you have reach into the layout to correct problems.
Stopped short of talking about the frogs on turn outs. The flanges on the wheels hang up and derail. Evanston RR group has a good video on the proper weights of rolling stock. Crack on Charlie!
awesome video charlie i had that same problem with oo australia coal wagons being to Light so i just filled them with crashed up coal to give it some weight .and Realistic Look to
Hello Charlie. I hope the train show you attended was great for you & fellow modelers. I enjoyed that preview prior to your visit. Meanwhile This is another great presentation. I love the first train ( The InterCity) around the helix. I have always have been a fan of these trains & coaches when Lima released them originally in the late 1970's & 1980's When I heard it derail, I said uh oh 😱. I know one thing about trucks & wheels that derail even in reverse it was common in horn hook couplers on many North American trains. That's when Kadee came to the rescue with the many series they have. My favorite is no doubt the NEM Undersets long, medium, & short versions. In spite of that your equipment handled the curves very good. But Charlie your helix has been inspired by other modelers. One in the USA on one of his channels has high speed fast freights and sped his train almost endless he had to put the camera like a drone it made his HO scale look like N scale. Another modeler on his channel did CP RAIL in a helix his did a lot worse his train didn't do quite so well. He had a few derailments. It was a good video in spite of those difficulties. As for yours it's has improved. As always I enjoy watching The CHADWICK MODEL RAILWAY in every detail you showed I thank you for inspiring me. Happy model railroading . 🙂 Harold CN / VIA RAIL/ BC RAIL
The double advertising really frustrating but I understand it's required. I stop having periods back in the 70s or actually I don't think I had one yet? So to be educated on how best to use a tampon during a coupling session was so what educational. Chadwick is progressing in a wonderful direction and I look forward to the beef from those cows on the hill at Christmas. Great stuff Charlie I also hope we can have a few summer trip day outside in 2023 as especially enjoyed the visiting of railways stations drive last year at 1000mph through the countryside. All the best.
Hello Charlie, love your latest video. As you know I model in Scalefour which has a track gauge of 18.83 mm, and a flange depth of only .66mm, as I model Southern Region EMU’s in the 60’s the maximum line speed on my layout is a scale 70 mph, which to some modellers might seem a bit slow. As for couplings, because the LNER (and some A4 locomotives), the Southern Railway, and early British Railways coaching stock where coupled together using buckeye couplers, all my coaches are fitted with Kadee couplings, for my goods wagons and NPS I continue to use 3 link or screw couplings.
So why do I think I know why my fellow OO modellers have derailments.
1: First and foremost they run their trains far too fast, most real trains have speed restrictions and don’t travel at 150mph everywhere.
2: OO curved setrack rails are too tight, high speeds plus sharp curves equals a derailment, and it also causes buffer locking. When I started modelling in P4/S4 with .66 mm wheel flanges, I had a lot of derailments, so I relaid my track correctly. I removed any kinks in my track laying, then I built in transition curves and superelevation on to my curved track, allowing higher train speeds and to give my track a more realistic look ( Flexi track is best for transition curves and normally cheaper)
3: And most OO rolling stock is too light, running locomotives at high speed pulling light weight rolling stock causes the rolling stock to bounce off the rails. I was once advised to weight a standard 4 wheel goods wagon to at least 50 to 60 grams.
I hope this reply to your excellent video will help other modellers to solve their derailment problems, as it took me many years to solve mine. PS. Did you manage to find an old Wills track cleaning wagon ?
Best Regards
Barry
IIRC BR had a similar problem with 4-wheel 9' wheelbase wagons bouncing of the rails on CWF track that had been ballasted for high speed running, and that the speeds involved were speeds that the wagons happily ran in sectional track
What an excellent comment Bazza.
I couldn’t agree more. McKinley produced a video on the “weight of freight” and is well worth a watch.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, I’ve just watched the video, seems we are on the same page, 50 grams for a 12 ton ventilated van, and 60 grams for a 16 ton mineral wagon.
Hi Charlie another excellent video....every day is a school day at Chadwick..
We’re never too old to learn Graham. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Rodger that and Charlie does a good job.
I would have loved a school like this . Takes me back as I recon it does for everyone but shows the future too.
Such a relief to find that I'm not the only one having 'dreadful derailments, even without so much rolling stock.
I’m glad you appreciate the honesty of it. You are not alone. Regards Charlie
9:30 gives me a smile. You seem to enjoy keeping the bloopers in. As always an informative and interesting video - thanks Charlie
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, regardless of me going off piste!
Sadly many are to quick to blame manufacturers not their track work or choice of surface to lay their track on.
Good to see this being discussed by a couple of serious channels that don't take the mick. Always a chuckle to be had at people being so angry that their models derail when even real railways are yet to fully eliminate this issue even with billions of research and centuries of improvement.
Excellent comment TK. Regards Charlie
train kits and other bits, Thank you for your reply earlier. I honestly cannot find my origianl comment that you replied to.
In Australia, the local machine shops have also disappeared, or are disappearing. It is something I considered, but the cost of fuel would really add up.
I have ordered a back-to-back from one UK Shop, that had reasonable postage charges.
Cheers, and stay safe, Michael
@@michaelimpey1407 all good, and yeah in some places there has been a decline in businesses that could do it but maybe im spoilt for choice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne I could tell you of probably 20 places that you could walk up and get one made no issues.
@@Samstrainss , when I lived in Melbourne I would agree with you, same with Hobart.
I am now on the Central Coast of NSW, and just not around anymore. Not enough work, and better opportunities elsewhere I assume.
Cheers Michael
@@michaelimpey1407 hope you've avoided the flood waters of late.
Thank you so much for another superb video. Funnily enough I’ve just been doing some test running and kept on getting derailments with Hornby coaches. It turned out to be the kinetic couplings that, unlike the Bachmann ones, have rough pieces on the rubbing plates between the coupling and the rear of the headstock. This stopped the coupling returning to ‘normal’ after a curve. (If that makes sense). A little work with an abrasive stick sorted things out but it just goes to show how many variables there are in investigating derailment causes. Just like the real thing then. Looking forward to the building of helix 2. Tony
Thanks Tony, for a very useful comment. I shall look a little more closely at my Hornby Pullman Cars.
Regards Charlie.
Sage advice on wheel gauge that I'd extend to the entire truck. Gauge is critical, especially important to check out of the box & whenever you buy used. The connection between truck and body is also critical. I have a used HO boxcar that's pristine looking. But hold it upside down and turn the trucks like they're going through curves and you can actually watch the screws turning themselves out. It would literally lose its trucks after a few clockwise runs around a layout. Setting the tightness on all new & new-to-you rolling stock... er... wagons, and check it again after a dozen or so good uses is equally good for avoiding problems.
An excellent point Frank. Are you and I have clearly had the same nightmare issues. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie,.
I know you are very busy (especially reading messages) so I'll be terse. For you to say that all model railways have derailments, and that they are not recorded, I thought, was absolutely brilliant. I for one, look at many layouts (yours inclusive) and think... how brilliant it must be to own a model railway to have an impeccable running session. So far from the truth. I loved the pugnacious approach to addressing the issue, and I thank you dearly.
Thanks Charlie
Lee
Good on you Lee. I feel that the lack of derailments on some channels, really is an elephant in the room. Regards Charlie
Great video again, Charlie. We all know Rule 1 of model railways: Rule 2 is that wagons and coaches will only derail when you are not watching them. :-)
I first came across the kinematic close couplings in the 1970s on Röwa coaches (German HO but 1:100 length). We bought a few from Victors (RIP) and were amazed when we got them home and on the layout to find that they not only coupled corridor connection to corridor connection, but also went round our dodgy trackwork. Röwa went bust, and were bought out by Roco, who continued to make them, though Röwa's designer, Willi Ade, went his own way, and produced fine scale proper 1:87 models of the 26.4m long coaches.
Amazed the Lux cleaner didn't send the dogfish flying. Weight in goods wagons has always been an issue (I guess because it's not as easy to hide a weight under the seats like in passenger coaches) - as I'm sure you're aware, throwing a few nuts in may not work, as the centre of gravity may be too high: you need to get the weight as low as possible.
Willi Ade aka Mr. Clips. 😁 An extremely important man in model railway history that most people will have never heard of.
Rest assured Andrew, I will crack these dogfish wagons! Regards Charlie
Thanks for your very interesting and informative video presentation Charlie.
I always enjoy watching your videos. The information presented is practical and helpful. With a bit of humour thrown in.
I particularly like the wheel cleaner.
I agree with your thoughts on track, couplings and wheels to have a well running train.
Something I do to check if a Rail vehicle is the right length for a curve. I set the vehicle. (Be it a locomotive or wagon, passenger or freight). On the curved track.
If the couplers, when centred with the wagon are inside the 4 foot. And the coupler is in the track centre when pushed to its full range of travel in the coupler box. The Rail vehicle is the correct length for the curve.
This is for body mounted couplers of course.
Which is why, as you no doubt know. Many manufacturers have bogie mounted couplers. So the longer wagons and locomotives are able to successfully negotiate tighter curves.
Clearance testing is also an important part of layout design.
Especially when running American articulated steam locomotives as I do.
Thanks Helmut, for a very interesting comment. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie: You boldly address issues that every model railroader has to deal with. The dreaded derailment! Weight of cars, curve radius, turnouts, and coupler design. All the books and articles I read emphasized defining the minimum radius for your layout. This especially important with long cars. Most of these items are intuitive but there isn’t a one of us the sets a standard and just break the rules. I use mostly #6 turnouts (versus #4’s). Great video.
Thanks Ken I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Also the 's' of curves for longer carriages - I find they can be a problem.
“If a picture paints a thousand words” you have written several books with your stripped back no nonsense educational video. Thank you, for demonstrating such an important subject.
That’s very kind of you to say so Peter. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Excellent stuff, bloopers and all. I've now purchased a back to back gauge to help sort my own issues.
Good on you Wayne, I’m sure it will be a useful addition to your toolbox. Regards Charlie
Derailments are so frustrating. Worth checking back-to-back first, even on new stock.
I couldn’t agree more mate. Regards Charlie
One of the most honest guys in the game! 😊
That’s very kind of you to say so Pete. Regards, Charlie
Hi Charlie, I'd just like to say I've found this video and the last few videos very informative with plenty of tips I'll be taking onboard. So a big thank you, brilliant stuff. That's not to say your other videos are not informative, quite the contrary.🙂 Cheers, Julian
That’s very kind of you to say so Julian.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie the comment about other youtubers not showing derailments and thus everyone else thinking it doesn't happen in absolutely true. I've been struggling a lot with derailments on my first loft layout and this is so enlightening!
Thanks for your comment mate. Honesty does seem to be an issue on certain channels! Regards, Charlie
Every time I see those Dogfish wagons I’m transported back to my childhood and the naughty trucks in the Thomas book!
Great video as always Charlie - thank you for sharing.
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that my dogfish wagons bring you much joy as well! Regards Charlie
Enjoying your videos Charlie. I have replaced all my very narrow nem couplings for Hornby medium nem couplings which fit Dapol, Hornby and Bachman. I have also removed the tabs which are constantly trying to push the couplings back to the centre position. This does seem to have helped, especially over points. ill certainly keep watching your videos for more tips
Thanks for sharing your solution, Richard. Regards, Charlie.
An absolutely cracking video Charlie, brutally honest, probably very accurate and hilarious. Your descriptive talents are priceless. Keep on producing great videos and a great layout.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Lindsey, and it’s great to have you on board mate.
A masterclass in how to make an interesting and entertaining video about one of the least interesting and entertaining aspects of our hobby Charlie! The close-up of the HST moving off in the wrong direction made me laugh out loud and the ballast train at the diamond crossing was the icing on the cake. I think I will also adopt your approach to “scenic” and “non-scenic” trains for types of couplings as I also have a helix - a great way of thinking about it, rather than slavishly using just one type of coupling (as I had been planning to do). Thanks for sharing your experience and interesting tips and ideas, as always.
Thanks James, I’m so pleased that you found content particularly useful.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie - you demonstrate some interesting issues and its nice to see that you don't duck the issue of the dreaded derailments. At present I'm having to re-lay a section of track at the top of my helix since many locos derail on it and it was definitely my fault - I didn't take enough care laying the track originally - aargh!!! The other thing that I noticed is the HST buffet car derailment - I have a similar one on my HST set, all fitted with Hunt couplings and it constantly derails and it has done so since new. It's been fitted with a variety of couplings during its life, the original Hornby ones, Keen system ones and latterly the Hunt Couplings. I've checked the back to back measurements, I've swapped bogies off other Mk 3 coaches but the problem persists although derailments of it are less often than they used to be. I just cannot work out why it happens. Hope that your fix on yours will stand the test of time.Thanks for the video.
Have you tried turning it around? If so, try adding some weight. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks for the advice - I'll try doing both things. Cheers Dave
Great to here that you allso accept railway modeling is not a perfect science, over my many years of modelling Iike you have become a realist about these problems and accepted them as part of the norm .Your very good vid goes a long way to helping all modellers to improve the troublesome trucks,great stuff Rob A
It’s problems such as these Robin, turn us from railway modellers into small scale. Engineers! Regards, Charlie
Hi Charlie, A few years ago I read an artical about adding weight to early hornby tank wagons, it worked a treat so thought i'd pop it on here incase it is of use on your freightliner wagons - the tip was to drill a 5 or 6mm hole on the bottom of the tank and pump it full of silicon sealant - this once set adds enough weight to overcome bouncing derailments and is a pretty cheap option. As you've screwed you containers down on the wagon bed this should work for them too, especially if you only do the outer 2 boxes, it might help with the sagging too. Cracking channel and loving the layout as it developes. All the best Rich
Thanks for the tip Rich, I shall have a little look. I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel, regards, Charlie
Hi Charlie
Love it. Simple? Problem solving. Once again warts and all. So encouraging when you see you have some of my problems. You are so right when I watch some other videos where everything goes right you question your own ability. It's not always my fault ! Back to back really worth checking on all stock I now realize.
Well done once again and thanks. Look forward to next episode.
Howard
Thanks Howard, and so pleased that you enjoyed it, and I’m not alone in the world of derailments! Regards Charlie
Charlie, first off it was nice to meet you at the west camel railway clubs open day, Managed to pick up another Class 50 for £75 which was an absolute steel! We have plenty of derailments, especially on the lift up section. Normally caused by alignment of joins, we also have issues with bogies on some rolling stock being over tightened. We had an absolute nightmare with Hornbys Pullman coaches, Glad to say its now resolved but had to change out couplings.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed our show and picked up a bargain at the same time.
Happy modelling, regards Charlie
A timely presentation, Charlie. I'm going through testing of my track with various train consists, both freight and passenger. With all of my rolling stock being equipped with Kadee couplers, the vertical curves have become the bane of my existence. I am now working through my rolling stock to test all couplers for their positioning above top of rail. Simultaneously I am working to flatten out the vertical curve as best as possible. Not what I had hoped to be doing at this point but pushing through it.
Couplings are the bane of our lives DhG, I do hope that you have more success than I. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie I bought some new passenger carriages from Hattons and not one wheel set is right I put on a back to back thank you for your help Terence
You’re most welcome Terrence. Regards Charlie
thank you Charlie I really enjoyed this video
Thanks mate, it was interesting trying to make a boring subject appeal to our audience. But derailments are a challenge to us all. Regards Charlie
Great to see another video from you Charlie - and I feel your pain! I've just put together a train with two Hornby Class 73s top-and-tailing, and for some reason I just can't get it to do a full circuit of the layout without derailing somewhere. Suspect my shoddy trackwork may well be to blame, so there will be engineering works and a rail replacement bus service operating until I can be bothered to sort it out 😂 Your honesty and humility make this channel unique - it's great to see end results, but the hurdles and challenges we face on the way are just as much a part of the hobby. Love it.
What a heartwarming comment mate, you’re too kind. It’s great to have you on-board, regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie :) I've figured out the problem with my Class 73s as well - there was a small bit of detail on the bogie frames that was fouling the 3rd rail. Normal service resumed 😂
Lovely video. I learn every time I watch your videos.
Thanks Q, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Charlie, I think what I like most about your videos, besides the knowledge you part to us, is that you show it how it is and tell how it is. It is what it is! I am a firm believer in testing and tweaking track, locos and rolling stock before getting into scenery. I still chuckle over your "unboxing" video.
I run all steam locos, no diesels. I am running 2-8-0s. I don't want to be tearing up scenery if my track laying mistakes will cause me tear out a section of layout. I also don't like to be showing my trains running with constant derailments. So, I use my most sensitive steam model loco as my test locomotive. I now have seven of the 2-8-0s by the same manufacturer. These particular 2-8-0s will seriously enhance any flaw in the track laying where other manufactures' model steam locomotives are more forgiving. Once I see that my test 2-8-0 can navigate through the layout without a bump or wobble I know the rest of my 2-8-0s will also do the same. However, I do tune up each one. Why seven of the same model? The real world railway I model after had seven Baldwin C-16s and one 0-6-0 Porter tank engine.
Great video!
A very interesting comment DKA.
I’m pleased that I’m not alone in testing to the extreme! Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, what a great video. There are numerous causes of derailments and you have covered all in a very enlightening and humorous manner....Thanks Greg
Thanks Greg, I’m so pleased that the video brought a smile to your face. Regards Charlie
Your blue Warship is an origonal Mainline version. I have done the same, de motorized for double heading with later Bachman Warships.
You will love Friday’s video!
Regards Charlie
Thank you Charlie for another brilliant video much enjoyed watching your rolling stock go round the laying and up and down the helix and you shareing your problems with use very honest video and useful information on tools you had to use food for thought has I'm in limbo with my layout whether to move it out the loft to a shed. Take care Charlie look forward to the next one kind regards Gary
Thanks Gary, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Stay safe mate, regards Charlie
I had a rake of those hoppers and they were constantly derailing on tracks that were good for the rest of my rolling stock so I got rid of them and bought a reke of EVA hoppers which run dine right out of the box . Also for your squeaky wheels on the freightliner wagons add a spot of white grease to the axle ends . as always Charlie great information for us to contemplate
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it John. And thanks for the tip, regards Charlie
Not just my layout then! Enjoyable and appreciate the honesty.
And I appreciate yours to John. Regards Charlie
Excellent video ! Sods Law has Sods Law written all over it !!!! I have seen your previous videos and after checking all my rolling stock, and correcting them, I have virtually no derailments ever. I have a 4-4-0 where the drive wheels are a bit out but nothing I can do about that: Hornby's fault. It just needs to run round a few times on its own to 'warm it up' and then it seems ok. . . . bit bizarre but as you say "we are where we are". Cheers x
That’s great news Richard, regards Charlie
Super interesting video, you have such a calming way of explaining subjects and your humour at times makes me chuckle. Just wish my Covid would clear up because every time I laugh it gives me a coughing fit. Thanks again , you are a star.
Sorry to hear that you’re still under the weather mate. Keep taking the paracetamol.
Get well soon, regards Charlie
Charlie, you should automate the wheel scrubber to power on and off at will with IR sensors before and after on that fiddle yard line and to trigger the scrubber in both directions. One of the best things about your channel Charlie is the way you research, Annalize and amend the issues you are faced with concerning rolling stock and the layout build problems. You are methodic in finding the solutions to faults and explain in the best feasible way you know how to tackle them.
That’s exactly right John, the wheel scrubber will activate as a train occupies the approaching rail. Regards Charlie
The piece causing your derailment with the Class 47 is known as a rail guard. It's purpose is to clear away things like bricks (that the kids used to like leaving on the tracks to surprise us drivers from time to time) or other sizable debris that isn't big enough to strike the front buffer beam. Stones on the track just make you jump but do no real harm so nobody worries about those kinds of items.
Thanks CB, this complex technical issue was sorted with a pair of snips!
Regards Charlie
All interesting stuff. I have quite a few wagons needing some additional weight - unlike their owner!
You and me both Davie.
Great video as always Charlie. Good information. Thanks for sharing. Roy.
Thanks Roy, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Charlie, I took a few minutes to go back and look at the origins of Chadwick Model Railway to see just how far you've come with your empire. Suffice to say, you have a whole lot of model railway now my friend! It's great to watch trains rolling along on your trackage and the expanse of the layout. Well done, I say, Charlie! This is another great video; we all have to thrash out the gremlins to keep the wheels on the track, and you expertly show us how to approach the problem. Really looking forward to the next in the series - completing the final loop! Thanks again, mate!
A brilliant comment as usual Pat. I appear to be making good progress this year, at long last. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie ,I run a small ho scale american switching layout and like you I suffered many derailments with a few KDee logging cars .I hve taken your tip and increased the weight of the single logs by hollowing them out and filling them with a brass rod .They run much better now with no derailments (ha ha so far ) thanks again for all your vids ,best regards Rob A👍
Thanks Rob, I’m so pleased that you have found a working solution.
Regards Charlie
Showing the problems you have with your layout helps us diagnose ours. Placing weights over the truck should help with the bowing .
Good tip. Regards Charlie.
Thank you, that was so much fun to watch. I always come to your videos for a bit of a pick-me-up. Your videos are not just entertaining and informative, but the pure joy of the hobby just flows out of you and on to the screen. We all have frustrations with the hobby at times. Love your consistent ‘built by man, can be fixed by man’ attitude. Thanks again, and keep up the great content.
What a heartwarming comment Barry.
I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel. Regards Charlie.
Another great video! Thanks for putting these out so regularly, they are so enjoyable.
Thanks Josh, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards Charlie
Awesome update as usual Charlie!!! Thanks for sharing mate!!!
So pleased that you enjoyed it Onno
Another excellent video Charlie. You are right, many videos are edited so de-rails and uncoupling aren't shown, so a realistic video showing what can happen is really useful. I had one occasion when the coaches decided to fall off the track to one side, but then I was using tighter curves than 3rd radius. One other issue particularly with freight stock is the use of kit built wagons/vans. It can be that the frame sides aren't perfectly aligned, so you end up with parallel axles but they try to run crabwise and de-rail. I now use a Brassmasters jig to ensure that the axles are straight and parallel. I agree with weight and wagons. I found that 9' and 10' wheelbase wagons needed to be at least 35 gm and recovered lead pipework, which I found underneath the floorboards of a previous house we lived in is used for this. Now in the days of H & S, I wear gloves when cutting it to size. I am sure there are modeller supplies who provide the same thing without all the hammering and cutting that I do. I have also started using one fixed axle and one compensated axle on wagons and wished I had done this from the start and have started retrofitting some of my old Airfix mineral wagons with a compensated axle. With regards to your Heljan hoppers, would it be a good idea to replace the wheels. I have a set of 3 or 4 and don't particularly like the wheels which are on them and am considering replacing them just for the look alone. I found that Bachmann back to back always had to be checked and adjusted, so I now do that as a matter of course.
Thank you for the brilliant comment Don. My problem with replacing the wheels on the dogfish wagons, is that the axle length is different. What I might try is just to replace the wheels themselves with ones from Bachmann or Hornby. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Please let me know how you get on with the wheels. I might do the same myself, but at the moment they are away in the attic in boxes.
hi Charlie, yet again a very entertaining but informative video, I an quite new to the hobby, along with my 8yr old grandson and although the chances that we will grow to the level of track you have are almost zero watching what you do and the problems you try to over come, helps even beginners like us out, with the back to back issues, the coupling problems and mostly replacing the rubbish wheels our derailments are now at a very low level and the frustration has decreased, I also try to keep the stock wheels and the track "clean' which does seem to make a difference thank you for sharing your knowledge also watching your trains run just before bedtime is very relaxing, thanks again regards Ron
Thanks Ron, for such a heartwarming comment. Good luck with your project, I know these things can be tedious at times. Regards Charlie
Important points to bare in mind. I look forward to seeing the construction of the second helix, and the math's involved. I am also excited about how an understanding of math's can be applied to everyday situations.
Rest assured, I will deal with the maths.
Every day is a school day, after all.
Regards Charlie.
Something I have discovered recently which has been an absolute breakthrough with the running of my 009 narrow gauge layout is flange depth. Yes it doesnt look as good, but the deeper old style "pizza cutter" are 10x more reliable. I reckon the gradual straying away from these in favour of more prototypical flanges has made a silent but awful reduction in reliability which has gone somewhat unoticed perhaps. Spent ages chasing microscopic trackwork issues only to find that the deeper flange wheels (within reason of course) have quite literally transformed my layouts reliability! food for thought.
What an excellent observation EWS.
Progress isn’t necessarily of benefit to us all. Regards, Charlie.
I love watching you working away in your layout. Saves me having to construct a layout of my own. Just love getting old engines to work
You’re not alone on this Laurie, there are loads of folks with a similar outlook
Charlie, I see the McKinley Railway standard for wagon weight is 5gm per cm. I suspect your ballast wagons are considerably lighter than that. The NMRA recommended practice 20.1 would make them a lot heavier - one ounce plus half an ounce per inch. Or in metric 28gm plus 5.6gm per cm. The NMRA recommendation is for HO scale US freight cars which will have two bogies and are longer than British four wheel wagons. The NMRA recommendation could restrict the length of trains that could be pulled up a gradient, but heavier is better for keeping wagons on the track as long as they all use the same rule for weight.
Yes weighing down your wagons is very interesting.
However, let’s not forget that once you’ve added the weights they still have to get up the Helix! Regards Charlie
Charlie, I really enjoy your videos. They are educational and funny. You are awesome.
Educational and funny perhaps, awesome I doubt it. Regards Charlie
Another helpful video, I'm glad you put in the derailments and things and not hide them, keep up the good work mate 👍👍👍👍
Thanks Lee, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
David Jenkinson always said that derailments come down to 2 factors - track or rolling stock. He said that if any vehicle derails at specific point in the track then check the track, and if a specific vehicle derails anywhere on the track at random then check the vehicle. He designed and built his own track and sometimes pushed the tolerances of his designers and paid the price. Speed would only make things worse.
Thanks Neil, excellent advice mate. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie - I find that having point work immediately before of after a curve can cause problems and I now make sure there is at least 2 inches of straight before and after any turnout
That is a sound strategy, but sadly not always practical as I have found on the Helix approach with all those curve points. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie, going back to your last video and this one on couplings. Any model railway coupling would be better than the current tension-lock coupling offered to day by British model railway manufacturers. As we all know the tension-lock coupling was hurriedly designed by a Mr John Hefford of Lines Bros for their Tri-ang Railway system to avoid paying a penny royalty to Peco for use of their knuckle type of coupling, used at that time by both Peco and by Hornby Dublo. At least manufactures today are fitting a NEM pocket to their models.
How ever regarding a replacement for the Tri-ang horn-hook coupling, I can see two advantages for using a NEM Kadee coupling over a NEM Hunt coupling, first the Kadee coupling looks like the prototype couplings that were/are used by the LNER, the Southern Railway and British Railways. And second Kadee couplings can be un- coupled automatically. I might be wrong, but I don’t think a Hunt Coupling can be un-coupled automatically!
Looking forward to your next video.
Happy modelling
Regards Barry
You are completely right Barry. One day the manufacturers will produce stock built to the correct NEM standard. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, Kalmbach just came out with a book Model Realistic Freight Car Loads, on my short list to buy, cuz I agree those freight cars look like they could use some weight. My next thing is right from the first video of yours I watched, (some time ago) not only because I luv your English trains (live across the pond not what i grew up with), but I really liked you and your down to earth style and honesty, look forward to every video on Chadwick. Thank-you.
Thank you, midnight rider, it’s great to have you on board mate. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie Thank you so much for another superb video
Thanks Stephen, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards Charlie
Another great video Charlie.
Thanks Iain, regards Charlie
Very interesting video Charlie. Thanks!
Thanks Mike, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
If anything demonstrates the importance of back to backs, it is this video. Thank you for this, it was extremely valuable information very well presented!
Thanks JT, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it mate.
Thanks Charlie, wish these videos where around when I designed and built my 8x4 tail chaser, I do get one or two problems but you have covered most in this video, I have some work to do with some slight modifications, happy days .
Every day is a school day for us all Bobby. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, another very detailed video thank you. The video has given me food for thought with a few issues I have.
I’m so pleased that it might be useful Barry. Regards Charlie
It looked like there is a dip in the track on the helix where the derail was.? Did on I see on the video after you adjusted the wheels. Thanks Peter
Thanks Peter, I shall certainly check it out. Regards Charlie
Thanks, Charlie, everyone has derailments on the HO layouts.
Exactly right mate, RUclips videos without derailments should be viewed with scepticism. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, very useful video. I have "Thor" and the Hornby Freightliner wagons too. Interesting how these older items still hold their own!.
Great choices Peter. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie. Important to realise that weight distribution in terms of the length of the train will be a big factor. Heavier items should wherever possible be directly behind the locomotive with the lightest at the rear. This was standard practice on the real railway to help avoid imbalance when negotiating curves. It's a very fine balance when it comes to the model railway world obviously. Best wishes from Slovenia.
Great advice Martin.
Regards Charlie
Haven't read all the comments so someone may already have mentioned that the bits on the 47 bogie are known as Lifeguards, and, as you rightly summised, are meant to knock any obstruction off the rail before it can cause a derailment. I had to pare them down, (or up) on my Bachmann loco as it was also causing problems by being too low.
Steve
Thanks Steve, very useful info. Regards Charlie
dude, this is awesome. thanks for sharing this!
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Excellent video. On my coaching stock, I've combined the idea of hunt couplings (which work well but look a bit chunky) and the Bachmann close coupling brake pipes and 3D printed my own version. I'm now doing the same to my Dapol milk tankers, which are notorious for derailing because they are too light and the wheel profiles are not great. Yet to decide on loco to train coupling, as I want to be able to disconnect without manual handling.
Hi Andy, it’s good to hear that you are overcoming this dreadful issue. Good luck with your train to loco coupling. Regards Charlie
Really enjoyed the video watching trains run.
Thanks Errol, regards Charlie
I had a similar issue with my wheel cleaner, so I tapered the top of the track on entry and exit and cured the problem that way. Sorry but I will continue with my Kadee's throughout. Over the years I have tried several different couplings but none are as good or as these, especially when it comes to reliably coupling any different rolling stock to each other or shunting. I have found though that the Class 66s because of the way they are designed, they will only couple up to rolling stock, without my help, on a straight piece of track. But I suspect they would have similar problems with tension lock as well.
I understand Sam, the only drawback with them of course is the shocking price. Regards Charlie
With regards to the tension couplings, the tail of it was to be raised by the uncoupler ramps that Hornby used to split a rake of rolling stock. If your not using one, the base of the tails could be cut higher so they clear the top of the rail!
Or just cut them off completely Bill.
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Probably the easiest, which I was thinking about before I posted! 👍
Great and informative. :)
Quote of the video: "Let's run some trains and see what can go wrong." Amen.
So pleased that you enjoyed it Rob. Regards Charlie
Nice one, Charlie. It's surprising just how much couplings play in reliable running!
Thanks 1701, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Most informative and very amusing Charlie.
Thanks Robert, it’s great to have you on board mate.
Brilliant as always Charlie so it's all down to weight, couplings and speed
Please don’t forget wheel back to backs! Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Also old wheel flanges can bounce
Well done Charlie 👍 I find life with all its awful problems depressing at times. I am so greatful to close the windows and drfift away to your world. Nice and calming to watch and it feels me with hope that the world is not all bad. I suppose it's what model railway are about. It's each person escape to a time and place that bring back happy memories. I wonder how many scenery on people railways are based on places they grow up in. I remember as a child my nan walking with her and the dogs over fields then to cross a unmanned railway crossing. My nan looking up the track saying we safe now then at times remember see a train approach was such excitement. That scene is so clear in my mind. I did in recent years visit this place and it was a housing estate all that remain is the small stream I remember walking past. So one day when I build my own layout the crossing will once again see trains. Thsnks again it means so much to enjoy your channel. Best wishes. Tony
What a heartwarming comment Tony, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the channel. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I watched the one with expand foam it make me laugh how much it grown over night. Will you be launching a chadwick App soon with your content and shop etc
I don’t think so boom box, I can hardly keep up with my own commitments. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie I have taken the whole curve up, put in new Peco curved points and realigned the track either side. Let's hope this works.
Probably a good move mate. Regards Charlie
There's a lot of palaver involved in getting stock to reliably negotiate that helix. I'm still contemplating whether to build one or not.
There's very little room for my layout so I need some method to increase space eg. 2 levels.
Thanks for a clear, concise explanation of the issues you've seen and how to fix most of them.
Good on you Charlie.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Gerry but Helix is not necessarily an easy undertaking! Regards Charlie
Great video, bits I knew, and bits I never really thought about.
Keep up the good work on your layout 👍🏻
Thanks Corin, you’re most welcome. Regards Charlie
Nice video Charlie. I have to say that is quite an indepth video. I certianly learnt somthing from this. - Nicholas.
That’s great Nicholas, I’m so pleased that you found it useful
The most useful thing you can have to find problems with track is a simple four wheeled wagon chassis with no body or top.You can see exactly what is going on at particular trouble spot rather than just seeing the end result. Worth a go!
Yes an interesting option. Thanks very much, regards Charlie
I really enjoyed this! It was good to get an insight into your desired Ops
Thanks Jade, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting.
Hey Charlie,
great Video again! I was stunned to find you channel, it is really good and entertaining.
Being an h0 Guy from Germany, I find it extremly interesting how your Layout, your Track and your Points work.
I use the C-Gauge Tracks from Märklin, it's a three conductor Rails with plastic Ballast underneath it. And, being cast pieces of Track, geometrie is always mechanicly perfect! Sadly it is somewhat limited in Track design, as you only get like 6 diffrent grades of curves. but it has its benefits!
Pretty neat to fit Cables and Point motors, and being a three conductor AC Track, you don't get the Issue with the reverse loop. Both pieces of rail are "negative" and power is supplied through the middle conductor.
Keep the great work up, I love seeing your Layout grow! Sadly I don't have a room the spare for my Railway, so it has to be occasionally put up on the floor....
But I'm expanding my Rolling Stock, my Locos and most importantly my track!
A great comment DOJ, it’s great to have you on board mate. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie, have been having some of the problems that you explained in the video, a couple of your suggestions I had not thought about, as always keep up the good work your videos continue to inspire!
That’s very kind of you to say so Robert, I’m so pleased that you found the video content useful. Regards Charlie
Yes very informative Charlie. Looking forward to seeing you build the second helix. Thanks
Thanks Kevin I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
It never ceases to amaze me that after nearly 70 years the industry can't agree on a standard default coupling.
Sadly I have curves that are tighter than I would like because of space constraints but nothing tighter than 3rd radius, and I have issues with the hooks overriding with the slightly different styles of tension lock couplings and then causing a derailment and particularly disappointing is my D600 Warship that has the coupling fixed to the body rather that the bogie so I cannot run it on the inner circuit.
You even made the point on the video that the pipe type coupling from Hornby was inferior to the Bachmann design but why not make them to the same standard design so they can be interchangeable or do they really imagine that we are not going to buy a rival product because the couplings are not interchangeable. We are moddlers for goodness sake and most of us have a level of skill that allows us to modify things.
Very interesting video as always.
An excellent comment Phil. A friend of mine said that these manufacturers produce toys, and we have to convert them into decent models! Never a truer word. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie - interesting. I've recently reversed my running lines - up to down and down to up - that identified a few areas where the trackwork needed some adjustment. All done and back to 'normal' running.
Glad to hear it David.
Regards Charlie
If I ever form a band, it'll be called 'Days of Crimson'. Cheers, Charlie!
Can I go on drums Nigel? Regards Charlie
What genre does the name imply? I’m going for Emo.
🎵 ... Uhh, when the BR zero-eight comes shunting over ... 🎶
I’ve done same with my rolling stock to check for derailments. Run them 10 times runs perfect, then a derailment happens. What I’ve found for my layout some the buffers foul each other on the turns. Solution was to sort out which buffers run best against each other.
Yes it’s certainly a long process Stewart. Regards Charlie
Ignore my prattling. The things you pointed make a major difference in the operation of our trains and how often you have reach into the layout to correct problems.
Your prattling is welcome any time Ken. Regards Charlie
Stopped short of talking about the frogs on turn outs. The flanges on the wheels hang up and derail. Evanston RR group has a good video on the proper weights of rolling stock. Crack on Charlie!
awesome video charlie i had that same problem with oo australia coal wagons being to Light so i just filled them with crashed up coal to give it some weight .and Realistic Look to
I’m pleased that worked out satisfactorily Christopher. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie. I hope the train show you attended was great for you & fellow modelers. I enjoyed that preview prior to your visit. Meanwhile This is another great presentation. I love the first train ( The InterCity) around the helix. I have always have been a fan of these trains & coaches when Lima released them originally in the late 1970's & 1980's When I heard it derail, I said uh oh 😱. I know one thing about trucks & wheels that derail even in reverse it was common in horn hook couplers on many North American trains. That's when Kadee came to the rescue with the many series they have. My favorite is no doubt the NEM Undersets long, medium, & short versions. In spite of that your equipment handled the curves very good. But Charlie your helix has been inspired by other modelers. One in the USA on one of his channels has high speed fast freights and sped his train almost endless he had to put the camera like a drone it made his HO scale look like N scale. Another modeler on his channel did CP RAIL in a helix his did a lot worse his train didn't do quite so well. He had a few derailments. It was a good video in spite of those difficulties. As for yours it's has improved. As always I enjoy watching The CHADWICK MODEL RAILWAY in every detail you showed I thank you for inspiring me. Happy model railroading . 🙂
Harold CN / VIA RAIL/ BC RAIL
What heartwarming comment Harold, you’re too kind. Regards Charlie
The double advertising really frustrating but I understand it's required. I stop having periods back in the 70s or actually I don't think I had one yet? So to be educated on how best to use a tampon during a coupling session was so what educational. Chadwick is progressing in a wonderful direction and I look forward to the beef from those cows on the hill at Christmas. Great stuff Charlie I also hope we can have a few summer trip day outside in 2023 as especially enjoyed the visiting of railways stations drive last year at 1000mph through the countryside. All the best.
I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos boombox, there’s another one in the can ready to be edited. Regards, Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway You are RUclips number 1 Railway modeling channel. The best!!
Yet again another excellent video Charlie keep up the good work
Thanks OR TMD, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards Charlie