Lionel tmcc T1 duplex front truck detailing over Lionel tubular 072 switches

Not sure what the issue is, but is your track level and edges or joints smooth? Also check the wheel alignment on the front truck. Maybe adding some weight to the front truck assembly will help.

I have a Reading T-1 that won't go through Gargraves switches, just hope that won't be your issue with your switch. I had to go to Ross Custom switches for my T-1.

Lee Fritz

Thanks Lee' will check the front truck out. Might have to go to Ross switches as I have been asking on another blog. Do you know anybody that has some for a decent price? Just looking for 072. 

Thanks again, Jerry

I had a similar issue with a Williams brass T-1 and the issue was the traction tires on the first set of drivers were too thick.  This in turn raised the pilot truck leading to the derailment issue.  I removed the traction tires and now all is well.  This engine had traction tires on the first and last set of drivers.

Rolland

Jerry,

Are you using the modern O 72 switches - the ones made starting in in the 90's? 

If so it is no surprise that your T1 is derailing. The modern O72 switch has a reputation for derailing all makes and models of engines - pre war , post  war, and modern.  They're not well made. I would go to Ross O 72 switches. They can be adapted to work with O gauge tubular track using GrarGraves adaptor pens and shims.

Hope this helps,

Richard

Just some info on why I quit using Lionel switches. The Lionel switches from the mid 1990's started acting up on me, many many electrical issues. The switches in question were a 6-23010 & 23011.

To solve the problem at that time(about 7 years ago) I went with Gargraves switches. After a few years(this year) I finally went to Ross Custom switches and don't have the issues that I did with either Lionel or Gargraves switches. Ross may cost more but they have quality switches that work!

Lee Fritz

I use the O72 switches from the early 90's with no problems.

I had the same issue with derailing on my Lionel MPC and LTI/PWC GG-1's. The needle point wheels on the front and rear trailing trucks caused derailments because they are too loose. I replaced my needle point wheel sets with postwar wheels and axles and the problem is no more. The postwar wheel sets lock into the truck frame, and not move around like the needle point ones. Could you replace the wheels in the front truck?

Check the gauge of the wheels. I have found that many lead and booster trucks as well as tender trucks have been out of gauge. I use a NMRA O scale standards gauge to check these. I've also found various track elements to be out of gauge also so you may want to have a look at that as a possible cause.

Jerry A posted:

I have just finished laying track and I'm testing it with my Lionel duplex T1 Pennsylvania engine. I have been having trouble with THE FRONT TRUCK DERAILING  on the Lionel tubular 072  switches. Is there anything I can do to stop this darn DERAILING with this engine?

Thank you very much as always, Jerry

There has been a number of threads posted about these switches.   My post in this thread may shed some light on your problem..

Joe

O-72 Switch Opinions | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum

I need to clear up one issue about Lionel O72 switches. I did have one Lionel original O72 switch on my  last layout. (I still have it) I purchased the switch for $5 in 1069.  The rest were modern repro O72 switches.

l may be incorrect, but I think the original  O 72 switches were not made after WWII. The original O72 switches were built like battleships. All my post war and modern engines ran through the original switch with zero problems. If you use O gauge tubular track and and can get your hands on original Lionel O 72 switches grab them and use them!

Richard

Actually it maybe the front truck as well. Take a video of the event. And watch if the spring and bolster frame can slide;  side to side freely. If it binds, it could be what I found on allot of these, a small burr on the slot is catching the collar on the fastener.

Richard Gonzales posted:

I need to clear up one issue about Lionel O72 switches. I did have one Lionel original O72 switch on my  last layout. (I still have it) I purchased the switch for $5 in 1069.  The rest were modern repro O72 switches.

Richard

Dude, how old are you, 947?         How's Lestat?

David,

Good catch

If I recall it was around the time of the crusades when I purchased that switch.

Fat fingers and iPhones do not work well together.

Richard

You guys are great. If not for you my whole layout and trains would be in the garbage by now.

Thank you very very very much for all your input. It sure makes this hobby a lot more fun.

Jerry