I have relaid both of my lower level main tracks, this weekend. I am now test running each of my engines and locomotives with a load to mark each direction, location, type of problem and at various speeds (5 times around w/o a problem and the unit or locomotive passes. NOW- I first ran my best locomotive - a Kato Mikado with traction wheels. I saw two portions of track with problems (not where I got rid of the 9 3/4" radii turns and made them 11+) at flex track solder joints. Mental healthwise, I then decided to start with diesels and work my way backwards in time. The diesels run perfectly without any problems. WHY STEAM ????? WHY BOTHER WHEN THERE ARE NO TRACK ISSUES WITH DIESELS ???? It was used in the transition period which is the period I am modeling. I always wanted to be an engineer driving one. THEY LOOK SO DARN GOOD ON THE LAYOUT AND I ENJOY WATCHING THEM, THAT'S WHY.
Mark: Diesels are the most forgiving loco's when it comes to track issues. Staem loco's on the other hand will find any minute problem in the track and magnify it due to all its working parts. Have patience... Stay cool and run steam.....
