Large Scale Central

Maiden voyage of the 2-4-4 Forney BIG Disappointment!

Electronics Live Steam
#1

I had 16 derailments in 3 laps. Or should I say lap attempts. :frowning:
It don’t seem to be at any particular spot just, well everywhere.
The lead axel will jump track at will in forward. It seems to track ok in reverse.
So I think their is something up with the front set, maybe weak spring.

Now remember it’s made in China so it could be anything.
I never seen a country put out so much junk as China.
I know there are some China lovers out there, but I call a spade a spade.
I have never had sooo much trouble with new stuff as I have in recent years.
Seems like every thing you buy one has to take it back or get it repaired.

Any way may this need a stronger spring under the axle.
Any ideas?
Made by Accucraft.
2-4-4 Forney
The 2 is the jumper.

#2

Hey David, on my C-21 I had to basically get rid of the front truck spring and add weights for it to stay on.

Also, the spring rigging through the drivers was so stiff and tight, I had to cut down and modify those springs as well.

#3

They are really picky about switches, from my observation. I don’t have one though.

#4

Funny how things go, I’ve owned an Accucraft Forney (2-4-4T) for a little better than a year. I love it, runs fine, pulls cars well, and I haven’t had a derailment yet. My first thought was “how’s the track?” I’ve run my engine on at least 4 different layouts and still never had a derailment problem. One layout was actually our club’s modular layout and another was tables (modular) at a friend’s house, all NO PROBLEM.
I might suggest looking “outside” the box, . . . .

#5

No switches.
20’ curve and 10’ curve. It must be something with the front truck.

Jerry Barnes said:
They are really picky about switches, from my observation. I don't have one though.
#6

I’ll check that out before I go to work today.
Thanks for the suggestion.
David

Matt Z said:
Hey David, on my C-21 I had to basically get rid of the front truck spring and add weights for it to stay on.

Also, the spring rigging through the drivers was so stiff and tight, I had to cut down and modify those springs as well.

#7

Is the back to back spacing of the “2” wheels correct?

#8

The back to back spacing seems to be right.
I think I found the problem.
I just finished the adjustment.
The front trucks didn’t seem to be low enough to keep contact with the track.
I don’t know the proper name for it , but here goes.
The long leg of the T frame that is screwed to the frame was bent slightly up.

This caused the wheels to not drop down on the track properly looseing contact with the track.
I bent it back down just a little and replaced the spring with a liter spring.
The OEM spring seemed to be too strong.
Well I’m out of time today so I will test run it tomorrow.
We’ll see if I need a crying towel or not.
David

#9

I gave the Forney the track test after lunch.
She made 6 laps at different speeds.
I had no problems what so ever.
Everything ran as it should, not one single derailment.
Well I really enjoy it when I’m right! :slight_smile:
Lately that hasn’t been to often.
I will get pictures over the weekend, sorry I have to go to work now.

David

#10

Well I’m better now so maybe I’ll get out this week and run my steamer.
I have 2 weeks until I go back to work.
That is if I don’t decide to retire before that.
My work piled up since I was laid up. I should get the grass cut first so I can see the train on the track.
Some of my grass I bet is a foot tall.
The neighbors complained but I didn’t have anyone volunteer to cut my grass for me when I was laid up.
I’ll try to get some pics.

#11
David Kapp said:
Everything ran as it should, not one single derailment. Well I really enjoy it when I'm right! :)
Yea! :D