New Lionel Diesel Derailing on O36 Switch

Sr. I had this problem a few years ago with a gp7.  I ended up replacing the traction wheels on one side with regular smooth wheels. My suspicion was that since there were traction tires on both wheels of the same axle, there was no slippage occurring when going through a curve or a switch. After I did the replacement to one side, I had no problems afterwards. IMO, it was/is a design issue because no slippage could occur. I posted a question about this a few years ago and never got a definitive response ( no slight to readers intended). However, with as many diesels that had this setup, I couldn’t imagine someone else not having a similar problem. Anyway, that’s what worked for me. YMMV.
Steve

Maybe I'm the only guy on the forum dumb enough to do this, but don't forget to remove the cardboard spacers the factory inserts between the trucks and the frame.

Thanks Steve, Don.  Definitely removed the spacers but can see how this would be a problem. Too bad it isn’t that easy of a fix. Frustrating that right out of the box there is an issue.  I appreciate the responses.  Sounds like a mod is in order. Thanks again.

I’d get a replacement from Lionel, and see if it occurred to the replacement engine. This might just be a problem isolated to your new engine. And won’t DIY void the warrantee?

Thanks. I was thinking the same thing. I know this is a new product. I was hoping to find out if others were having the same problem before I send it back.

@Sr posted:

Thanks. I was thinking the same thing. I know this is a new product. I was hoping to find out if others were having the same problem before I send it back.

Sr. Keep us posted about this.

Steve

@Sr, one thing you might want to check is the wheel spacing on that front truck. I like to place the lower jaws of a caliper right where the tread of a wheel meets the flange, and the other jaw similarly placed on the other side of the truck. It does get a bit messier if you have a traction tire on one of the wheels, but it should still give you a fair idea of the gauging of the wheels. You should read 1.25". If you don't have a caliper, just place the engine on a piece of track, and move the truck from side to side to estimate how much play is available - then do the same with an engine that is NOT having this problem. It's a crude method, but it can tell you if there is a significant difference between the two engines - and that would be a pretty good clue, in my estimation.

George

Sr, check that the truck pivots freely and fully as your other engines do. I believe I read on here a while ago about problems with the pick up roller and causing derailments on a switch, check that it's centered,pivots up and down freely and that it's straight and tight.

Let us know,Doug

I had a similar issue with a new SD70 a few years ago. I corrected it by making sure the track before and after the switch and the switch itself were fastened down firmly and evenly. I add an extra screw to the switch (was careful not to hit any electronics) .  That solved my problem.  

Sr, does this happen at all of your switches or just one in particular? Does it happen if you run the engine in the opposite direction on the track CW vs CCW? Is it happening on the straight run or the turnout? These will help isolate if its a switch or a truck binding issue. Don’t give up on it yet.

Sr,

   All of the above solutions are excellent and any of them could be the issue with your SD70. Good luck finding a solution however no one has mentioned a SD70 is a large Diesel engine that has 3 axle trucks. When I had my home layout up and running I liked to run scale diesels so I did not have any traditional sized equipment running on my layout. My maximum curves were 042 so I limited my engine purchases to smaller steam and 2 axle trucks diesels. I don’t know what other diesels your running but 036 is a tight curve even if the manufacturer says the minimum curve is 036 for a large 3 axle diesel. If I were you I would stick with F units, GP units or RS diesels.

   Good luck with your engine.

JohnB

I had the same problem with a Hudson, and found that the problem was the same as Ken's.   The section of track leading into the switch was just very slightly elevated at the joint with the switch.  I could barely see it.  If you have a foam type road bed, it is often hard to get the track screwed down just right.

I used two long screws to really tighten that end of the track section down flat, and the problem went away.

And, I've also had the reverse problem, when an engine is leaving a switch.  If the next piece of track joined to it is just slightly low, the front truck can just float right off of the track. 

Mannyrock

Thanks all. I have a similar SD70AH and Legacy C44-9W (among others) that don't have this problem and its happening on all of the switches.   The train is rated for O36 curves but understand switches have a mind of their own. Since it's a new engine, I decided to return it. Lionel customer service accepted the return without any pushback so now I am waiting for the replacement.  Will let you know.  Much thanks for all of the assistance.  Your willingness to share information and make suggestions makes this forum great.