Kato Mikado plus Atlas C55 turnout issue

[ncbqguy]

The first run of Kato Mikados were delivered just before I started there.
I noted the tight gauge issue as I was using ME C55 turnouts and found that all Kato product was not to NMRA standard.
I don't recall if the Dash 9 was the next engine or the PAs...but the factory from that point on was supposed to use the NMRA gauges we sent them.   This accounts for the TT Drivers being in gauge as they were made well after the first run of 2-8-2s.
Of course, we got complaints as all the tight gauge track was found by correctly made wheelsets.....

Charlie Vlk

[sschnabl]

I would think the preferred way to adjust the gauge would be to use a gear puller.  That way the wheel will remain perpendicular to the axle.  I don't have a gear puller, so I used either a screw driver or a pliers to ever-so-carefully slide the driver out while making sure the wheel was still 90 degrees to the axle.

Scott

[peteski]

I don't recall if the Dash 9 was the next engine or the PAs...but the factory from that point on was supposed to use the NMRA gauges we sent them.   This accounts for the TT Drivers being in gauge as they were made well after the first run of 2-8-2s.
Of course, we got complaints as all the tight gauge track was found by correctly made wheelsets.....

Charlie Vlk

Charlie, the weird thing is that Mike stated that the new TT driver was the *ONLY* wheelset tight in gauge.  The loco's original drivers were in-gauge.

[mmagliaro]

Mike's original problem description states that the derailment happens at the frog area, not around where the points are.  He also mentioned that those locos also had a problem when going through FastTrack handbuilt turnouts.

But yes, Atlas C55 turnouts do have their own gauge issues at the points.

Yes, that's true, and while I also had a few issues with the guard rails and points, that wasn't common.  It was mostly the point rails.  I posted those photos because Mike asked if I had problems in general with Atlas #7's, so I wanted to show him where.

[peteski]

Mike, I'm going to repeat something I mentioned before, in case you missed that reply:

Because they are built to NMRA specs, I suspect that the derailments you had on your FastTrack turnouts might have been due to the same tight-gauge issue that showed up on Atlas C55 turnouts. You might want to try them again after adjusting the gauge.  You will likely be happier using those than Atlas C55.

[mike_lawyer]

Pete, you read my mind.  I am going to try installing some Fast Tracks turnouts and see how they work with my steamers this weekend.

[mmagliaro]

Once the wheels are in gauge, there ain't nothing that a steam loco rolls through more easily than a Fast Tracks turnout.
Believe me, if I knew then what I know now, I would have built all of mine with the jigs instead of buying commercial turnouts.

[ncbqguy]

Charlie, the weird thing is that Mike stated that the new TT driver was the *ONLY* wheelset tight in gauge.  The loco's original drivers were in-gauge.

It may be that the first production of the traction tire drivers were gauged tight....Kato USA had zero involvement in its development and I don't recall hearing any problems with them.   What run was the engine with the in-gauge drivers?   Maybe from the second run?
Charlie Vlk

[mike_lawyer]

Charlie -

My two Mikados are from the second run with the revised all-metal drivers.  They are in gauge.  The traction tire drivers I purchased about 3-4 years ago directly from Kato USA parts department.  Interesting that those traction tire drivers are not in gauge.

Kato USA is supposed to get another batch of traction tire drivers in November, and I am going to order a couple.  It will be interesting to see if they are also on the narrow side.

Mike