It can be done

Depending how much space there is between the pilot axle assembly and the bottom of the loco body you may be able to glue a small piece of lead to the center of the pilot axle assembly. You may also be able to glue a small piece of spring steel to the loco body that will put some preassure on the the axle assembly. You probably do not need a lot of weight or preassure. In fact, to much would tend to lift the weight on the front main axle.

Spring Strength

I had the opposite problem where the pilot truck was taking too much weight, my solution was to weaken the spring, sounds like you could try a stiffer spring.

Increase spring pressure on pilot.

I have a Genesis MT4 4-8-2.  I had the same issue and stretching the small spring between the frame and pilot helped.  RMeyer is correct in noting that too much pressure would tend to lift the front drivers.  

I do think the Genesis MT4 prefers radii more than 24" even with a good easements.  It is never happy on on curves under 28" radii. That pilot just wants to jump.  

Increase spring pressure on pilot.

I have a Genesis MT4 4-8-2.  I had the same issue and stretching the small spring between the frame and pilot helped.  RMeyer is correct in noting that too much pressure would tend to lift the front drivers.  

I do think the Genesis MT4 prefers radii more than 24" even with a good easements.  It is never happy on on curves under 28" radii. That pilot just wants to jump.  

Add weight

I chose not to reduce any weight on the drivers, and instead removed the spring, then added a weight directly to this Bachmann 2-6-0 pilot truck.  Solved derailment issues instantly.

Top view and bottom view shown with automotive stick-on wheel weight.

Thanks

I'll try adding a weight since I have some on hand.

John C

I've taken solder

and wound it around the axle.  Just make sure it doesn't touch both wheels and cause a short circuit.  A fiber washer cut and slipped over the axle on the insulated wheel side solves this, or glue the solder to the axle.

Solder

I've heard about the solder technique.  I've wondered if that alone will add enough weight.  That said, it may be the only way to do it depending on what things are like around the pilot.

John C

I have added a piece of sheet

I have added a piece of sheet lead to the fron axle and solved similar issues on steam locomotives, it works well.

Magnets

On one N steamer I could not add enough weight to keep the pilot truck on the rails, and any added weight looked - well bad. So I dug out some small neodymium magnets and epoxied one magnet on the truck just above the axle. I drilled two holes in the frame and for mounting two magnets which applied enough force to the pilot truck to keep it on the rail. I have begun experimenting with using the same technique on lager engines including one for the garden, but the same technique should work with an HO engine. Just make sure the the magnet on the truck is mounted to repel the magnets on the frame.

Tungsten Putty

Tungsten putty made for pine car racers can be molded and attached to axles or any other feasible location. Works on my light pilot and trailing trucks.

Dante

What I finally did

The Bachmann pilot assembly did not permit rapping solder are the axle.  No room at all.  I was able to fit and attach a small tungsten weight with ac adhesive to the top of the pilot assembly.  It''s not much weight, but better than nothing.  Also realized that the way the pilot assembly is attached to the Loco was contributing to the problem.  Made some adjustments that seem to help.  However, even though the pilot is tracking better, I know it''s going to have its own mind from time to time.

The idea of adding a spring for downforce sounds intriguing, but I just can't seem to visualize exactly how to do it and still have the pilot swivel freely.  If only there was an article in MRH magazine ????

John C

Weight for Front Pilot

I had a similar problem with a BWL Niagara 4-8-4 locomotive. The front pilot would derail whenever it wanted to. But mostly on turnouts and cross overs. I called BWL and spoke to them about a remedy for this and they offered no help, or ideas. Wasn't impressed with their customer service. 

I found a box of wheel weights I had and thought this would work well. On this loco, there is no spring on the pin that holds it to the frame that would put pressure down on the pilot. It just floats, which is the problem. I thought this unusual, but BWL didn't think so. It looks to me like there is a place for a spring to be mounted, but there isn't one. Fortunately there is room on either side of the pilot pin to adhere one half of a weight. One wheel weight is about 1/4 ounce, and has a sticky back. Just peel and stick.

This fixed my problem, and I haven't had any derails since I put the weights on the pilot. You can get these wheel weights at any auto parts store. Just make sure you get the ones that have the sticky back, and not the ones for a regular car wheel. They are inexpensive depending on where you buy them.

I see another post that seems to have done the same thing. Sorry, I don't have any pictures. I hope this helps to resolve your problem. Good luck

Rusty Rail modeling the Mohawk Division of the New York Central pre 1950's.

Tungsten Putty

Tungsten putty made for pine car racers can be molded and attached to axles or any other feasible location. Works on my light pilot and trailing trucks.

Dante

 

 

Where does someone get this Tungsten putty?