Modifying a J Class 4-8-4

[lrbusjockey]

Hey, guys...here's a question I can not find an answer to anywhere.  I have 14 J Class locomotives on my layout.  The track radius is correct for this model, but the front trucks are a pain in the butt because they continually derail on some of the curves.  My question:  is there some way to add weight to the front trucks so that they will lay a little heavier on the tracks?

[propmeup1]

I don't have an answer but I have four of the new ones them and two older ones and neither have a problem.  Funny how that works. On the other hand i have the Kato UP 844 and I can hardly keep her on the track, the pony wheels have very small flanges, very small.
Sorry I can't help, just compairing apples to oranges,

Keith

[lrbusjockey]

Thanks for the reply, Keith.  I love my 'J's" and I have got to figure out what is causing them to derail.  The lead trucks are so light weight that I thought maybe I could add some extra weight to them to keep them on the track.  I've checked wheel spacing and track alignment and all seem to be correct. 

[mechanic]

Have you checked the gauge on the wheels? Might be out a tad. I've seen some people add springs to the front truck but not on your specific model.
Best of luck!

[lrbusjockey]

Thanks, strip.....just might see about adding a spring.  That sounds like it could work...

[gatrhumpy]

Hey, guys...here's a question I can not find an answer to anywhere.  I have 14 J Class locomotives on my layout.  The track radius is correct for this model, but the front trucks are a pain in the butt because they continually derail on some of the curves.  My question:  is there some way to add weight to the front trucks so that they will lay a little heavier on the tracks?

Your track might have small dips and bumps in it, hence the reason for it derailing.