i have a newly acquired Sunset SP Atlantic, and the pilot truck seems to have very little pressure holding it on the rails. It occasionally comes off the rails going forward, and almost instantly comes off the rails in reverse.
Any suggestions?
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You can add a spring or if there is room lead weights to the truck
Jay,
Before I did anything else I would check the pilot wheels' gauge with an NMRA Gauge. If the wheels are properly gauged then you may have to fashion a small flat spring from phosphor bronze wire that will keep some downward pressure on the pilot truck assembly. I use 0.008" phosphor bronze sheet to fabricate parts like this.
Joe Foehrkolb
Another option I have seen, after checking the wheel gauge, is to wrap solder wire around the lead truck axle/s solder bends easy and is heavy to add weight. Use one without a flux core.
I machine lead truck frames from solid brass - two pieces so I can get the wheels in without pressing. That usually is enough. The All Nation lead truck is neat, because it uses effective springs for both downwaerd pressure and centering.
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