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Is there a good source of info on what to do about derailment problems or is this the best place to go? I'm having a problem with one particular train. LGB passenger cars of the older "alpine" series. Should I try adding weight to the cars? should I try silicone lube on the axles? Any advise appreciated!

 

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Wow, quick responses.. Ok the track is LGB brass and is an outdoor layout that has been in place for 15 years. When ever we run the trains we first start with a dependable train (an LGB Forney) and I walk around with the forney to check for twigs or debri that might have found it's way onto the track. As to which car, it is typicaly one or two behind the engine. Not the same car and not in the same place. fairly level grade, often on a curve but not always. The train is battery powered so we don't "clean" the track anymore (used to have to with track power). We have 2 long lines (approx 800 feet each) and 2 short lines approx 30 feet each. This particular train just seems to be prone derailments no matter where we run it. I cvan run the Forney or an LGB Mikado with 6 or 8 cars on any of these lines all day without a derailment. Put this LGB passenger line on and it wont go around once without a problem. We're ready to give the darn thing a good kick! I'm thinking if the trailing car are imposing too much drag that may be the problem. YTour thoughts? and thanks!

 

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OK first Chuck , the passenger cars are the same as the largest ones in your picture.
The track is hand layed flex track (LGB brass) with no sharp curves Tightest radius would be approx 4 feet (8 foot diameter). Regarding the other trains and cars, the typical freight train (box cars and flat) don't seem to have a problem. We run a Diesel Sante fe A-B-A with 5 longer passenger cars with very little trouble. Again, these cars are longer than the Alpine cars.
Incidently, this entire Alpine train is currently on E-Bay,
search: LGB Rare Alpine Crocodile Passenger Train RC-Bat.-Sound
because we are running out of patience. If it sells good, if not, I will continue to try to correct the problem

 

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OK Guys, I had to step away for a day but now I'm back. First regarding the track. Of course there are variations but 4 other trains get by just fine so my feeling is, there must be something different about this one. There was a mention of heavy cars closer to loco. Well that is where our battery car is which frequently is the problem...but not always. The battery car is quite heavy and only supported by a single axle front & rear. I'm wondering if a pair or 2 axle trucks might help? Your thoughts? I should mention that this layout and train is not mine but rather one I service for the owner. I've been tasked with getting the trains converted to battery & RC as well solving any issues like this Alpines derailment blues.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
PS: I know this is not the place but if any of you would care to offer suggestions one what type of track I should use on my own fledgling outdoor layout I'd appreciate all the advise. Going with batteries so conductivity is not an issue. Price is the biggest concern and than appearence and then durability.