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 Posted - May 11 2009 : 7:10:34 PM
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Sometimes when I'm running a train on the outside loop of my layout, the train will just stop. In order to get it started again, I have to crank the power on the transformer up to almost max (just for a split second). The engine will then burst back to life at top speed and continue on it's way. The weird thing though, is that it only does this from time to time. Sometimes it will stall three laps in a row (in different places), and other times it will run days in a row without this problem. The track is run off of a Railpower transformer. I'm completely stumped...any ideas of what could could be causing this?
-cheez
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Posted - May 11 2009 : 9:46:33 PM
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Hi- I'm no expert, but it sounds like you need to clean your track/pickup wheels. This happened to me when I first put together my track, but it happened often. I used some makeup pads (2.00 from wal-mart for about 50) and 97% rubbing alcohol. Just soak the makeup pad a little and press down hard with your fingers on the tracks and rub it along the rails. It did wonders for me. Also, if you want to clean your pickup wheels, you could try this method: http://www.rjftrains.com/sales/centerline/dirtytrack.htm you could also substitute some alcohol for the wet one if it doesn't evaporate too quick. If this doesn't help, you may try adding some electrical wires where the problem occurs. Hope this works!
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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Posted - May 11 2009 : 10:14:14 PM
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Cheez - I once had this problem, and I did indeed try cleaning everything, the wheels, track, pickup on the axles, everything.
Still, it stopped dead on the same point every single time. My solution? Quite ingenious really...I replaced that section of track with a new one. 
Honestly, I do not understand what the problem was. The track and wheels were both shiny and clean. I can't quite explain it. 
    
- Matt -
Edited by - MM 1498 on May 11 2009 10:14:41 PM
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Posted - May 12 2009 : 08:50:42 AM
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| I remembere a problem with the club I used to belong too There was a track with a hairline break in rail so I stuck in those rail conectors & worked just fine
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Posted - May 12 2009 : 12:23:36 PM
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The next time it happens, take a small screw driver and put slight preasure on each rail joiner (one at a time) until the train starts moving again.
You may have a loose or corroded connection.
Ray
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Posted - May 12 2009 : 7:50:13 PM
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Hey Matt. I would replace the track, but everything is glued down and covered in a layer of scenery It doesn't happen often enough that I'm desperate enough to re-do a whole section of track.
I figure there must be a break in the current somewhere. Would a loose connector cause the entire loop of track to lose power? I've tried putting lighted passenger cars on other parts of the track when the engine stops and they don't work either.
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Posted - May 12 2009 : 9:42:31 PM
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Cheez:
That does sound like track to me... single point of failure...
-Gareth
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Posted - May 12 2009 : 10:27:54 PM
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Cheez,
I've had the same problem from time to time, I've followed the method Ray described. Once I find the problem area, usually at a rail joint, I solder the rail joiner to the rail.
Tom
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Posted - May 13 2009 : 7:06:06 PM
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Sometimes I squeeze a rail joiner with needle nose pliers, but soldering would ensure a good connection for sure. 
- Matt -
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Posted - May 13 2009 : 9:28:42 PM
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| I shall look into this. I have soldered a few of my rail joints, but not all of them. Next time the train stops I'll start poking around and see if I can find the problem Thanks for the advice everyone!
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Posted - May 13 2009 : 10:34:50 PM
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If possible, try sticking a piece of wire into the open end of the rail joiner, where the locomotive seems to lose power... Then solder it. More metal = more connection.
Perhaps you could incorporate a block in that section... Hmmm?
I also have had great results in putting a wee bit of petro (Vaseline) on the rails... yes, the track and wheels get black, but, that petrol is conductive.
What else? Last resort... if none of the ideas work, grab a skil-saw and buzz cut both ends of the mis-powered section, and if your trains stop in that area, you'll know why. 
John
Zebrails
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
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Posted - May 14 2009 : 7:33:39 PM
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quote:What else? Last resort... if none of the ideas work, grab a skil-saw and buzz cut both ends of the mis-powered section, and if your trains stop in that area, you'll know why.
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LOL That could be tricky, as the train doesn't always stop in the same place.
The wire in the joint isn't a bad idea though...I can't remember whether or not I've done that before.
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