Troubleshooting a flex nib fountain penUpdated 10 months ago

Railroading, or ink starvation, occurs when a flex nib does not lay down the full stroke of ink when flexed. Instead, it only traces the outline of it, like railroad tracks.

Don't feel defeated if you hit an issue with railroading. This can be remedied with a few simple troubleshooting tips.

1. Prime the feed

If the nib is being a bit stingy after non-use for a few days, it may need to be primed to get flowing again. If you're writing with a cartridge/converter fountain pen, advance the converter piston to force more ink into the feed. Dipping the nib in a small cup of distilled water may also help get things flowing again.

2. Slow down

Even the best feeds have their limitations to how quickly they can channel the ink. Slow down on the flexed downstroke.

3. Ease up on the flex

Ink starvation might be a nib's way of telling you that it's not meant to be pressed that far.

4. Change the ink

Some inks just don't pair well with certain pens. Before giving up on the pen, change the ink as a variable and see if it still has flow problems with a different color. Like I mentioned previously, pick one that has a wet flow. Be sure to rinse the pen out completely while changing inks.

Find more helpful tips and a video demonstration on how to write with a flex nib below: