DC Model Trains Work Better on Clean Tracks
Poorly operating locomotives are simple to identify. When faced with these problem machines, it’s always best if you’re familiar with the basic operations of these models. This knowledge will assist you when repairing model trains that fall ill on your watch.
Electricity is the driving force in your layout. With this in mind, know that nothing will work without the magic of electricity. If you fire up your layout and no magic lights the tracks, then check your DC connection. More than likely you have a short or poor connection somewhere.
Secondly after checking the wall connection then move slowly down the cord, checking for cuts, breaks, slits, exposed wire or any thing that you think would cause your layout to not function properly or receive a charge from the power supply.
If you are still at a loss for answers, then follow the charges next logical course. The charge travels along a wire leading from the power pack to a bus resting on one rail. This is the most logical location to search for layout halting problems.
Upon entering the rail your current then travels to the motor were it fills the tiny engine with life generating electrical power that will move your train forward, backward, slowly or quickly. Once the locomotive is on the move then the current completes it’s cycle by traveling to the opposite rail when completing the circut.
Word to the wise. If your wheels are unclean they could lead to complications during operations. Electrical impulses can be muffled or disrupted by dirt on tracks. In severe cases you may not receive any reception at all.
For this very reason it’s a good idea to clean your track and wheels before and after operation.
Following these simple step by step actions will likely lead to identifying any major problem. If problems continue and you have exhausted all the tricks outlined, try a multi-meter, you can usually find electrical problems that normally avaid the eye. While locomotive chassis is disassembled go ahead and check motor for foreign objects and binding gears.
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