0-6-0 engine vs. pilot trucks....and switches!

I use Lionel FasTrack.  The one engine that would derail on switches was my K-Line Allegheny.  It has a two wheel pilot truck that would climb switches at any speed...only my O-72 switches though.  It had no problems with O-36, O-48 or O-60...just the O-72.  I added weight to the pilot truck and it doesn't derail anymore.

As I posted earlier, I have the B&O 30-1570-1 Imperial B6 on order. It has been sometime since I've run an 0-*-0 locomotive but in the years I did, I never had any issues with derailments. I've not had any issues with lead/trailing truck engines derailing either. I have an Imperial USRA switcher, that can be pushed or pulled around as a dummy and haven't had issues with it derailing in dummy or powered versions. I plan to "restore" it back to a powered engine in the next few months. 

The Imperial 0-6-0 I have ran great prior to the boards failing. I expect the new PS3 version to run just as well. Of course, my older Imperial 0-6-0 should run great again once fixed up. 

Bpoth when I had lots of switches (20++ at one time) and now with only two, I have noticed that 0-X-0 locos are very tolerant of rough track, switches, etc., in that they stay on the track and nothing derails.   In that way they seem to tolerate switches, switchbacks, etc., very well.  On the other hand, they are shorter than many other locos and that means that have center pickups close together, which gives them some sensitivity to losing contact.  I have 0-8-0, 0-6-0, and 0-4-0 and like them all. 

" I have 0-8-0, 0-6-0, and 0-4-0 and like them all. "

So.....the lose contact on the switches (I am really interested in Reatrax switches, but any answer will suffice) as often (more/less) than the other wheel configuration engines you have?

That was not really addressed, just that the rollers are closer. Closer is ok....as long as they do not hit the dead rails.

Greg

When I built my layout 18 years ago, I tried to find decent 042 switches--and there was no such animal at the "local" train-selling establishments--they were a bunch of junk!  So I built an outside loop with no switches at all.  My inner loop uses 027 curves; I have postwar switches there, and they don't cause too many problems--but I can't run my MTH Mikado through one switch going straight (!) . . .  My MTH 0-8-0 and my Lionel B6 have fewer problems with switches (no problems) than any other engines . . .

With 21 Atlas O-54 switches, a few more than 21, there are 21 keyed switch moves associated with the Cab 1 control, there are (4 cross over sets) total of 25 switches.  Each engine/locomotive has/had it's issue/s, in general, longer, bigger more issues.   So I restrict speed with some of the larger locomotives. 

Big improvement was the addition of the 6924 relay boards. 

Three major features,

(1.) Inhibited switch motor burnout.

(2.) Added automatic electric non-derail. Even though Atlas switches were spring loaded non-derail.

(3.) Added power routing, to illiminate electrical dead spots.  Much improved consistant operation.

(4.) Added 6931 dwarf light indicators.  Helps, with an indication of the switch throw either Through or Out.  

Much improved since the overhaul of the switching system, but with that much movement there can still be issues.

Mike CT   

I don't think the 0-X-0 configuration has anything to do with losing contact, but length, whatever the reason, does.  Most 0-X-0 locos are short so they suffer from the affliction.

The worst "real" loco (i.e., not counting Porters, trackcars, etc) for losing ocntact on switches, in my experieince is the BEEP, its short and its center pickups just seem to be spaced to make sure they have a dead spot on any swtich.  Why RMT went to the tether for dual units - good fix, if you have two units or more. My 0-4-0 shifters will stall too, as will the Baldwin 4-6-0, if running slowly. The Lionel docksider switcher (0-6-0) is not as prone to stalling for some reason - it's center pickups seem to be spaced well to not stall on switches, at least for Fastrack.