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i just purchased a new Hogwarts Express O gauge train for my family for Christmas. I know nothing about model trains, but assumed since it said it was ready to run out of the box that it'd be simple. I managed to set the track up fine, and the red lights turn on indicating the track has power. When I set the engine on the track, with or without the other cars, it will run for a few inches along the track and then detrail. I've checked that all of the wheels are lined up and it's a new track so there's no dirt or rust. It also doesn't seem to run at a constant speed when it does move, even though I've barely turned up the dial.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated since I'd like to have it up and running under the tree for Christmas.

 

Thanks!

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As to constant speed, that is relatively normal for ready to run sets from lionel.  They will normally slow down in the curves as they do not have the fancy electronics to make them go a constant speed.  Without seeing a video or example of what your saying, my assumption is that the speed reactions are normal.

derailing is not normal.  I have a hogwarts set and it does not derail.  There was a video about the front 4 wheels (pilot truck) being un-even on the rails and then derailing.  You just needed to bend them down.  hopefully someone has the video link to share (I don't have it handy or in a position to search for at the moment).

Measure the diameter of the circle of track. What should have come with the set is 36" dia. Fastrack. 

Another thing to check: make sure any cardboard or foam pieces from the packing have been removed from around / under the wheels - especially the pilot truck - I've missed this myself on new locomotives, so take a look. 

It's a good set, so I hope your kids enjoy it. Merry Christmas !

From what you describe of the little wheels (pilot) hitting the big wheels (Drivers), it could be that the forward (pilot) truck (assembly with four little wheels) is reversed, and the pilot should be rotated 180 degrees, so that the little wheels that are hitting become the leading or forward most wheels.  These truck assemblies are often symmetrical, but sometimes not.

Bill

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