N&W 4-8-4 J Class alignment

[amtigereye]

Recently purchased 3 and am experiencing a tracking problem.  When the loco and tender exit a curve to a straight section, the loco is skewed and the tender is straight.  Doesn't look good but runs ok.  We have tried 2 different layouts and different radius curves.  We think it has something to do with the type of drawbar, sort of like two Y's end to end. Any suggestions appreciated.
UPDATE: I removed Part # 00T01 from loco and part # 00T02 from tender (drawbar connection points) and removed the elbows in the slots completely with a hobby knife.  This has taken care of the allignment problem and the unit still runs on 18" radius.  We are happy with the results.

[GN.2-6-8-0]

Looking at the diagram for the J believe i see what your talking about p/n 00T03....strange looking drawbar if thats it,also see what looks like a mating part 00T02 with slots for the drawbar to fit in, try lubing those slots with a little plastic compatible grease ,bet you'll also find the same slots on the locomotive frame under the cab....lube those also.
try it and let us know if it helps.

[Chesticus]

I have noticed the same problem. If you find a solution I hope that you will post it here.

Chesticus

[Virginian]

You can take the drawbar assembly apart, polish (not sand mind you, polish) all the edges and bearing surfaces, and re-assemble it and lube everything with plastic compatible oil.
Or cut a new drawbar with a hole on each end out of a credit card, and then drill a little hole thru the old drawbar covers and pin the new one in place.  After a bunch of fiddling around with it, I replaced mine.  I can't run on 18" radius curves now, but since I don't have any, I don't care.  In my opinion, the drawbar design, which is supposed to allow closer coupling and still make it around rather small curves, is a good idea that did not work out too well in practice, because of the relatively small loads developed thru the components, and the need to control manufacturing costs.  I have no doubt a full sized similar arrangement with roller bearings on the pins on the 'Y's would work fine.