Pinion disengaging

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OchrPenrhyn

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I'm building a rack line outdoors. Due to the contours of the garden (Wales isn't known for being flat, the very back of the garden is at chimneypot level), Gradients sometimes exceed 20%, though are always within the 25% limit specified in the literature. However, even at 20% I'm having some spots where the test light loco (2046) stops and makes a clicking sound. Any ideas?
 
Have you checked the relative height of the rack? This is particularly important if you have any sharp changes in gradient, as these may cause a dip in the rack and hence the disengagement.
 
What do you mean by "relative height"?

There aren't any sudden changes in gradient, I've measured it using some clever digital device and it stays within 21-23% on the poor section with a nice, long transition onto the easier track. No real lumps and bumps in the foundation, even with my dodgy blockwork.

When I used to work on the SMR, P-Way used to periodically brush the rack with grease to stop locos climbing out of the teeth. Would this work? What would be a suitable lubricant?
 
Don't put grease on your rack!
1:1 dust and dirt, will turn it into grinding paste.

Is the rack secure, where you are having problems? - Check it is clipped in place properly. Not moved sideways, and vertical.
Put a straight edge (steel rule) along each rail, where the problem is. - An out of line rail could be the problem.
You probably need to get down low to see what is happening. - There is a chance it could be a problem within the loco.
Good luck.

PhilP
 
Maybe run a straight-edge along the track (across the rails) to check that the rack is at the same height along the full run, in particular in the area(s) where the problem occurs.
 
Does the loco disengage at the same point or is it more random than that?

A mirror is your friend here, as it's much easier to see track wanders and inconsistencies using one. Place it on the track and angle it until you can see along the problem length.
 
Don't put grease on your rack!
1:1 dust and dirt, will turn it into grinding paste.
Click to expand...
I'm aware of this with grease, I was asking if there was another lubricant which was more suitable for these sizes.

I'll try and get around to taking a straight edge along the track later.
 
I've checked the section with a straight edge today. No kinks in either rail, track isn't out of gauge either. All dead-straight.

The loco was second hand and I don't know whether it was ever used on racks by its previous owner. The pinion doesn't appear to be worn though.
 
It certainly stands proud. I think I'll have to dig out some spare track and run some tests, once the thunderstorms have passed.
 
If you are a member of the GSS, the latest G Scale Journal Autumn 2021, page 7 the article titled An Uphill Task, the Author of said article is one of my visitors in the coming days, and as he has first hand experience of building a rack line, I'll mention your query to him.
 
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I'm not a member, no. My main interest is UK-outline 32mm live steam you see - the 45mm line is intended to represent 800mm at 1:19 scale instead of the metre gauge LGB intended. Therefore the 16mmNGM caters for most of my interests. It may be worth being a member of both organisations given the overlap in equipment.
 
Oh dear, it's been a long time coming, but .....

As the man with a wooden leg said, it's a matter of opinion :p:p
 
I'm assuming all the track is the same make and type? Even if the rail profile and height is the same, different sleeper design could easily give a tiny difference in running height.

Maybe build a small jig to easily check the height of the rail at any point. Just some thick card cut to the correct profile on a known good bit of track should so the job.
 
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