Kato Mikado pilot derails on Kato Unitrack

[memento]

Hello everyone,

I got a "new" used Kato Mikado, to my information it's one from their second production run.

I'm running it on a small level layout with a few Kato #4 switches and one double crossover. Basically the pilot truck will derail almost every time, especially on the double crossover.

I googled but everyone says that the Kato Mikado is one of the most bullet-proof N steam models and no one ever described any problems with derailment.

So I'm assuming that maybe my loco is faulty. It doesn't look like it's been used a lot, but still it's maybe 15-20 years old ...

I'm ready to have a look at the pilot assembly, but I have no clue how it's supposed to be. Should there be any sort of a spring or something else that pushes the pilot down, and if so, how strong was it?

Thanks,
Thomas

[Stu]

Kato #4 switches and one double crossover.

These are most likely your problem. I don't have Kato track, but I read this forum daily and have come across these turnouts as being a recurring issue for many modelers. You should consider doing some research on them, IIRC the solution requires some work on where the points meet the stock rail. Good luck.

[memento]

Yes I read there can be issues with Kato turnouts. But my other rolling stock has no problems so far, also some other steamers ... only the Mikado derails like almost every time at this double crossover, even when creeping slowly.

I'd just like to make sure it's not an issue with the engine, as it's a used purchase. Even when the turnout design isn't perfect, it shouldn't be that bad?

Before I mess around with the turnouts (and if I fail I might even make it worse).

[tomcook]

@memento

My Kato Mikado's pilot used to jump the track on occations (not using Kato track) so I glued a little bit of flat lead on top of it and it's never jumped since. It's an easy fix that I have done to other locos too and if you're not happy with it, it is easily removed.

Best of luck

[mikec6201]

Could the pilot wheels be out of gauge ?

[Allen H.]

Could the pilot wheels be out of gauge ?

This was going to be my suggestion as well.
Pickup on of these, best tool to have in your toolbox.

[badlandnp]

Definitely check the wheel gauge and add a bit of flat lead to the pilot. I have had to do that to several units when I ran #4 switches.

[memento]

I read now how to modify Kato turnouts and in essence it makes sense to me. The side rails don’t have those flat sections where the points end, while every other brand has them. But I also see that the track sort of widens in the area around the points because the outside tracks are already curving out there a bit, so if I would start filing down the side rails for the point ends, effective track width would increase a little bit more even.

Thanks for the idea to add weight to the pilot, I was first thinking of some spring to push it down but adding weight is maybe much simpler!

[jimbo.0455]

Ditto on the lead (or a BB) epoxied to the top of the pilot, only need a small amount

[northmill]

On some Bachmann steamers when the pilot derailed, I replaced the wheels with old large flange wheels from upgraded rolling stick. Might work for your Mikado also.

I have a Kato Mikado and it runs pretty good (no jinx!). Equal performance with two newer Broadways.

[Rodsup9000]

Thanks for the idea to add weight to the pilot, I was first thinking of some spring to push it down but adding weight is maybe much simpler!

Do you have a NMRA Standards Gauge (like the one Allen's photo)???? If not, get one, as you can check all your wheels and all of your track for gauge, as well everything on turnouts. It's a "must" have to get your railroad derail prof.

Most loco's comes from the factory with the gauge of the wheels too narrow.

[gatrhumpy]

Check the height of the turnout rails as well. Feel it with your finger nail. Might have to file them down a bit.