Derailing on an insulated track

Photos?

Do the wheel flanges bottom out on the lockon ?

photos attached

i do see a missing screw that holds the front truck in place as a guide—

Remove the Lockon and connect the wire directly to the rail. Solder to the web or insert a male wire terminal in the bottom of the rail.

To Arthur Bloom—— “ it smells like victory”❤️

I could do that but what is causing the derail anyway?

Also check the gauge of the leading set of wheels.

@Pat K posted:

To Arthur Bloom—— “ it smells like victory”❤️

I could do that but what is causing the derail anyway?

Let's see this lockon????

We focus on the train, but what to say the lockon isn't the real fault? Just because another train is not derailed is not exactly the answer either.

If you want remote across the internet troubleshooting, you have to show the ENTIRE situation.

@Pat K posted:

...I could do that but what is causing the derail anyway?...

Obviously it's the lockon!

Also, if this is the lockon in question, I generally follow the convention that the rail insulated from the ties represents the insulated rail. I suppose if not using clips to connect the ties at track joints, in theory if the insulating pins are used it still could be insulated rail. Again, at first glance and at this zoom level, it's hard to ensure what exactly is going on as far as insulating pins and so forth.

@Pat K posted:

i recently purchase a 681 locomotive in good condition seemingly.  Runs well.  But when I run either forward or reverse on an insulated track with a lockon for an accessory (crossing gate) the locomotive will derail.

This track is located next to an 022 switch.  Edited-- the accessory run by the lockon.  Does anyone have an idea of what could be the problem?

Also, it's possible to cause out of gauge track when making insulated rail (it may be slightly out of spec) because of the way the tie is crimped back after insulator material is installed. and yes, in theory the track before and after tend to help keep it "in gauge" but that doesn't mean that track section is perfect either.

Also, again this is on the inside of the rail?

And, the lockon would put tension and try to pull the outside rail in towards the center rail when clipped in VS no lockon. That alone could slightly vary the track gauge or angle the rail and thus railhead contact point? Especially if the crimping of the rail to tie joints were loosened during the process of making custom insulated track section.

I never use Lockons. Spread the underside of the tracks,  install wires and solder. End of Lockon loose connection or wheel interference.

@Pat K posted:

Derailing on an insulated track

-Fix the loco's missing hardware
-Switch the lockon to the other side so the #2 clip is actually connected to the insulated rail for the operation you are looking for.

Geez Pat,  I'm gonna have to nominate you for the "Golden Have Nuthin' Else To Do With My Time Award " for 2022.   And at least a first runner-up for the "My Time is Worth Absolutely Nothing Award."

You've got a problem involving a silly cheap lock-on, the problem can be totally fixed in minutes by soldering the wires to track, you said you could do that, . . . . but you still want to spend your time trying to figure out what's wrong with the cheap lock-on?   Really?  :-)

Mannyrock

Rob-- you are right as usual.  I had the lockon clipped to the wrong rail.  that was a real rookie mistake, and I'm not a rookie.  All things being equal, both sets of trucks seem pretty sloppy.

Other than that, I thank you guys for responding to my question.  You guys were pretty tough with me.  I'm going to have to put a bag on my head when and if I see any of you in person.   Come on, its Christmas time!  cut me a little slack. Im a dumb ***.

@Pat K posted:

Rob-- you are right as usual.  I had the lockon clipped to the wrong rail.  that was a real rookie mistake, and I'm not a rookie.  All things being equal, both sets of trucks seem pretty sloppy.

Other than that, I thank you guys for responding to my question.  You guys were pretty tough with me.  I'm going to have to put a bag on my head when and if I see any of you in person.   Come on, its Christmas time!  cut me a little slack. Im a dumb ***.

Turbines are Notorious for sloppy drive wheels. It happens because it can, many times derailments happen for no reason at all. Just changing one thing and poof it’s gone. I have seen a train go into a turn one way and off it goes, the other direction nothing. Then it just went away.