(EDIT: THIS IS FASTRACK)
OK, I don't even know the correct terminology, but I have an O-48 loop with O-60 turnouts. My RailKing K4-S approaches this turnout from the "opposite direction" because I have it set up so that trains back into the turnout. The backing in part works great, but I'm noticing that with the K4, as it comes around the loop and enters the switch section, the pilot seems to be smacking into the plastic guide (Part of the 'Y" at the end of the turnout, but I'm hitting it from the opposite direction). It's a noticeable jolt and it doesn't do it every time, but at least 80-90% of the time. I haven't had a single derailment, and my RK SD70 doesn't seem to have the issue.
I'm going to look at it in slow motion tonight, but based on the above, is it more likely to be a "bad track section/file it down" type of issue, or an alignment/gauge issue on the K4?
(Note that I have witnessed what I think is an interesting effect. Since the loop is O-48 and hence fairly tight, and since the K4 pulls a string of RK Heavweights, it almost seems like there is a "jacking" effect coming out of the far corner where the tender and cars and pushing the engine slightly out of line. Being that there is only one set of flanged wheels on the RK K4 (I think...) this almost makes sense to me....
... but perhaps I'm insane.)
Thanks !!!
-Eric
