Not to be argumentative, but IMHO, derailments are more a "general" technical issue than an N-scale-specific one. Not having any Bachmann N scale equipment, I don't frequent that section.

(BTW, I just saw that the OP DID post in the N scale section as well.)

I had a similar problem with a turnout on my HO layout. The diesels negotiated it fine, but the steam loco (a small 4-4-0) would usually derail.

After some suggestions I read here about turnouts, I watched very closely and noticed that the derailments were happening at one point on the switch. (I had removed the front truck from the loco and manually rolled it over the switch.)

I filed the spot down just a bit and never had the problem again.

Have you tried turning the train around and running it in the opposite direction?

Here's a pic I had posted showing the location:

Quote from: WoundedBear on December 28, 2019, 01:39:13 PM
Use foam safe adhesive.

Sid

Speaking of foam, I use the pink foam (1" insulation stuff). The best glue I've found so far is white Gorilla glue. It dries a bit faster than clear Gorilla glue, but I'm wondering if anyone has other suggestions.

Quote from: DMJ-Oregon on December 28, 2019, 12:22:39 PM
New to railroading.  Received a Empire Builder set (N) and going to have a 2-1/2'x4' track layout.  Will be setting this on a little used desk, so I'll have plenty of support.  Initially I was going to lay track on 1/2" plywood and cover w/Bachmann Grass Mat.  Now, after doing some reading base material, I'm ready to ditch the plywood idea and go with a base of 2' rigid foam insulation - actually thinking of gluing 2-2" sections (32"x48") together to give some additional height, then still covering (tacking) with the Grass Mat.  Think this base will give me plenty of support and should I need to move my layout, I can geltly pick the whole thing up and move over to the bed temporarily.  Any thoughts or cautions?

Congrats!

My two cents (as a relative newcomer as well) is that you might want to spend some time experimenting with different landscapes and techniques before you decide on a "final" approach for the entire layout. I've changed a number of facets of my layout as I learned different things. As an example, while I've used grass mats in certain scenes, moving to actual scenery products (I lean toward Woodland Scenics) gave me many more options.

Depending on the diorama or layout, I've used the plywood technique as well as foam - each has its own stronger points. When I use foam, I usually glue it to a thin (3/16" or 1/4" MDF. It's still light, but a bit more rigid when moving. Foam is great when you want to carve a below surface feature (i.e.; water).

Main thing is to have fun!  

(Where in Oregon are you located?)

They could pass for salt and pepper shakers.

I'd put 'em on the table and see what people do.

IMHO, it's the thought that counts. I will always have the shelf space for people who spent the time (and money) thinking of me.

That said, if you want to get me something but don't know what, a Home Depot gift card would also be OK.

I've been pleased with my buying experiences on ebay.

My selling adventure, not so much.

A few years ago, I thought I'd use ebay to sell the hundreds of automotive brochures I'd collected all my life. Seemed like an easy way to get rid of them and make a few bucks.

The first thing I discovered is that it's quite a bit of work setting it all up (ebay, PayPal, a separate bank account, shipping materials, etc.). It was very time consuming as I'm not as technically savvy as I once was. (Who is?  )

When I finally got it all working, every time I put an item up for sale, the only responses I received was automated notifications from ebay telling me that the item I was trying to sell for $20 was for sale from multiple other vendors at $8 or $10. I realized I was trying to compete with high volume dealers.

Just my two cents: Unless you're looking for a full-time hobby, sell (or donate) all your stuff in one or a few small lots and be done with it.

I've had quite a bit of luck selling stuff on Craig's List. Might try an ad there.

YMMV

Good luck.

EDIT: I thought of a funny post script to my story. I had originally tried the above ebay project as a winter hobby after retiring to Oregon from So. Cal. Since that didn't work out, I decided to get into a different hobby. Can you guess what?

Quote from: Bhelectron on December 07, 2019, 01:34:18 PM
I have been doing outdoor G scale for the last 10 years, but after a giant tree demolished 70 % of my layout...

Wow. That's probably the strangest model train disaster I've heard about.

Good luck on your new layout.

Just my two cents:

When I got into the hobby a couple of years ago, I decided to go with the Digital Commander. It's a bit more expensive, but if you're already thinking about DCC, the Digital Commander will give you an easy introduction in configuring and running multiple trains.

And you'll find big discounts from some of the on-line sources.

Have fun!

Contrary to what one might conclude in reading certain forums, people enjoy their hobbies (model railroading being one of them) in different ways.

Personally, I'm not very concerned with "accuracy." In fact, I've found that I've gained a lot of freedom having given up reality in several aspects of my life (model railroading being one of them  ). That's why a Boston PCC trolley can often be seen running through downtown Grants Pass, Oregon. 

LOL

Great link!

Quote from: charon on November 01, 2019, 04:57:27 PM
Good catch Terry.

Don't feel bad, charon.

Advice may eventually go out of date, but IMHO, it is never wasted.

One of the nice thing about forums is that questions and answers are available to many people, seemingly, forever. After jumping into this hobby several years ago, I've received quite a bit of information and training that came from the past - even here!

Personal data being available forever - yikes, that's an off-topic thread.  

Holy shmoly! What a job!

(Sometimes it takes me just about the same amount of time to re-rail my locos.  )

Thanks for posting.

I appreciate all the feedback.

Quote from: rich1998 on May 19, 2019, 02:15:26 PM
I use to do it with 0-27 but never DCC HO scale.

Rich

What would be the issue with HO DCC?