Bachmann K27 leading truck

KeithT

KeithT

Hillwalking, chickens and - err - garden railways.
Country flag
I ought to have entitled this WITS END!
For around 2yrs off and on I have been trying to tame the pony truck. Just when I think i have resolved the problem a whole new spate of derailments commence.
Thus far I have fitted new Piko R5 points, removed a 'pip' which restricted the traverse of the central 'control bar' and which appears not to control anything, added lead weights to the truck frame. filed the coupling bracket, removed the coupling bracket, re-set the back to back which was way out.
After most tweaks there might be a short spell of improvement but it then it reverts once more.
I have a suspicion that in some places especially at points or curves the flanges which are barely a millimetre from the metal strip on which the sprung control pin bears and slides are running beyond the strip and jamming as they try to move back. (Are you still with me?)
It is not easy to view or get at the truck due to the plough I fitted but it was such an aggravation to fit that I am unwilling to remove it again.
I recall some posts about resolving the truck problems, poss' on GSC.
I wonder has anyone had this problem and found a solution?
If it can't be solved then I think it will be off to pastures new.&:
 
Thanks Ross.
I would be interested to see if he dealt with it differently.
I found my earlier post about this: -
http://www.gscalecentral.net/tm?m=163862&high=k27 < Link To http://www.gscalecentral....?m=163862&high=k27

but I am no further on than I was then!
 
Hi Keith, I had this problem with two of my Annies.... mostly my demanding track laying I suspect.... i.e. inclines immediately from Y junctions :Looser: .... I had some old lead-flashing (house roof) sheeting and cut it to fit over the front and rear of each pony. Basically a T shape either side of the sprung link. I had left enough on each 'tail' to fold it under once in place... the pics might make more sense..... p.s. I do not use track power (all r/c) so be careful not to short the power out by leaving enough clearance from the pony wheels.

80f79ccb2aa84f93a5ec6272f0b032ed.jpg


Best of luck
Rob
 
I had a problem with my Connie; not at a point, but at a certain place on the track.

Eventually I discovered the problem was a dip in the track whereby the trailing drivers dropped in, and caused the front pony truck to briefly 'paw the air'. When the loco resumed the horizontal position, the truck was not in line with the rails.

All this in a split second.

So, look for a dip in the track, perhaps where the blade end of teh point meets the plain track.
 
Ian
Once it stops raining (!) I shall check the track with a piece of plate glass.
This point (part of a crossover) is accessed from one direction directly off a curve and it could be that this is throwing the truck off-centre.
On the straight approach to the other end I have noticed a small undulation within the wheelbase length. It is v likely that I shall have to move the cross-over away from a curve.
An additional problem could be down to the Piko point which has unsprung blades; there is a tendency for some locos to split the point usually after prolonged running.
 
Hi Rob
I have done something similar with the truck - I did the same with one of my Annies.
Whilst it has produced a small improvement it has not resolved the problem.
I still suspect that the flanges are fouling the ends of the metal "slide" strip just above the truck
 
Don't suppose you are using Peco Finescale track.... I am and forgot to mention that there is a small insert at the frog which can be removed at the point the crossing occurs to allow deeper flanges ..... might be worth a check :nerd:

Rob
 
You cant beat a deep flange
 
robsmorgan said:
Don't suppose you are using Peco Finescale track.... I am and forgot to mention that there is a small insert at the frog which can be removed at the point the crossing occurs to allow deeper flanges ..... might be worth a check :nerd:

Rob
Click to expand...
The track is all code 332 apart from some sidings.
 
This is what I meant Keith - but seemingly doesn't apply to your choice of track.... just a though :rolleyes:
f27e3726aa564807b6f635ef4ccbdd1a.jpg

Rob
 
My points are Piko. I have some brass strip inserts intended for LGB points. Although the sleeper intervals are different I might try fitting those or something similar to see if I can guide the wheel flanges before they reach the point so that they enter it in a straight line.
First though I will check the horizontal alignment of the point and the adjacent track. Today was a non-starter for any work with too much rain.
 
Rhinochugger raised a good point, I had forgotten a similar problem at, guess what... the most inaccessible point on my system :wits:

Sure you'll get it sorted though

Best wishes
Rob
 
I never thought it would happen but finally problem solved. First I re-aligned several points and importantly, the lead-in track. Still no success but next I removed the V shaped 'spring'(?) from the rear of the extended front knuckle coupling because I suspected that the wheel flanges were fouling it. Success! I can now run the loco forward and reverse in either direction at any speed.:clap::clap::clap::party:
I will probably replace the spring after filing a chamfer in the rear edge. which was the culprit.
Thanks for all the advice.
Next I need to fit a drop down coupling to the tender because the original is too high for Bachmann or other stock.
At least now I can get on and get ready for the open day on Saturday.
 
That's good news Keith - worth adding to a yet-to-be published "Jumping the points" problem solving page!

Rob
 
robsmorgan said:
That's good news Keith - worth adding to a yet-to-be published "Jumping the points" problem solving page!

Rob
Click to expand...
Can do.
It could be one of the several options to resolve the 'jumping' pony truck.
 
About time too!:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolf::rolf::rolf::rolf:

Just with four days to spare. Now iron out the other problems. Drinks, food, guests , MTS & we might make a go of it
 
Philbahn said:
About time too!:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolf::rolf::rolf::rolf:

Just with four days to spare. Now iron out the other problems. Drinks, food, guests , MTS & we might make a go of it
Click to expand...

Perfectionist!

I will probably be "in" on Saturday.......'cos I gather there is summat going on........:wave:
 
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