While running an MTH 20-3310-1 Russian Decapod last night, it derailed and fell to the floor. The engine was running on 072 Realtrax at about 55 scale mph when it just lept off the rails and onto the floor (about 24 inches from track to ground) and of coarse found the only spot around the platform that doesn’t have rug and padding.
On inspection of the carnage of engine, engine parts, cars and coal pieces I found that the right side valve gear had come loose from its mounting point over top of the cross head.
I noticed it didn’t break but the screw holding it in place was missing. The valve rod must have swung around and pitch polled the engine onto the floor. I checked out the rest of the rod bolts and screws and found quite a few loose and backing out.
My point is check your engines for loose hardware because you may be on the way to a derailment and not even know it.
Unbelievably the engine has nothing major bent. The rods were a little bent, the cab floor plate got bent, the coal pile broke up, and it has scratches on the cab roof from the cars that derailed also. After finding the screw which was about twelve feet back on the platform from where the engine landed, I used Locktite, installed the screw, tightened it and the other screws. She is now back pounding the rails a little worse for wear.
In my field, we always did a walk around our racecar and nut and bolted to spec every bolt whether it was in between rounds or races, but I never thought I would have to do the same on my model trains.
Ok, this was just a heads up for you all so you might just avoid a Model Railroad derailment calamity.
Now off to watch the Daytona 500!
