How to Prevent Trains From Stopping Or Slowing Down on a Model Railroad
Have you ever had a locomotive frequently stop or slow down in the same spot on the track? The loco could need servicing, or it could indicate a track or wiring problem.
You may need to thoroughly clean the section of track.
A locomotive needs clean electrical pickup.
The problem could relate to dirty drivers and pickup wheels.
Some model railroaders use a heavy paper towel and apply some WD-40.
Others in the hobby would wet the paper towel with iso-propyl or other clean alcohol.
They lay it on your powered tracks, run the loco onto the towel for 10 seconds to 20 seconds holding it while the wheels turn.
They then change the wheel positions to clean the others.
Others use a rotary tool like a Dremel.
They use a soft brush wheel wet with alcohol, and while holding the engine upside down, they connect the power wheels to the track with a couple of wires and clips (or just touch the wheels with the wires).
They run the engine while holding it in one hand and run the rotary tool against the wheels with the other hand.
Obviously if you have a problem with trains stopping or chugging erratically along, you will need to check for "dead spots", a bad track connector, or it could even be glue or debris from scenery disrupting the power flow.
If problem persists it could be an indication that the track may be too large for the size of power pack or transformer.
However, be aware that voltage drop is not always overcome with a bigger transformer.
Multiple connections to the track may be required.
A more powerful transformer or power pack could help.
The most likely solution is to use less tracks, or run multiple sets of wires.
IMPORTANT: When running two sets of wires DO NOT CROSS THE WIRES.
Label or color code wires so that each rail is linked to only ONE post on your transformer or power pack.
It can be very frustrating when trains run slowly or do not operate at all.
It is just a case of remaining calm and checking and eliminating all the possible causes one by one.
Try not to get too frustrated - treat it as a challenge, because you will be very pleased with yourself when you eventually fix the problem and your layout is back to operating as normal.
Enjoy your hobby.
You may need to thoroughly clean the section of track.
A locomotive needs clean electrical pickup.
The problem could relate to dirty drivers and pickup wheels.
Some model railroaders use a heavy paper towel and apply some WD-40.
Others in the hobby would wet the paper towel with iso-propyl or other clean alcohol.
They lay it on your powered tracks, run the loco onto the towel for 10 seconds to 20 seconds holding it while the wheels turn.
They then change the wheel positions to clean the others.
Others use a rotary tool like a Dremel.
They use a soft brush wheel wet with alcohol, and while holding the engine upside down, they connect the power wheels to the track with a couple of wires and clips (or just touch the wheels with the wires).
They run the engine while holding it in one hand and run the rotary tool against the wheels with the other hand.
Obviously if you have a problem with trains stopping or chugging erratically along, you will need to check for "dead spots", a bad track connector, or it could even be glue or debris from scenery disrupting the power flow.
If problem persists it could be an indication that the track may be too large for the size of power pack or transformer.
However, be aware that voltage drop is not always overcome with a bigger transformer.
Multiple connections to the track may be required.
A more powerful transformer or power pack could help.
The most likely solution is to use less tracks, or run multiple sets of wires.
IMPORTANT: When running two sets of wires DO NOT CROSS THE WIRES.
Label or color code wires so that each rail is linked to only ONE post on your transformer or power pack.
It can be very frustrating when trains run slowly or do not operate at all.
It is just a case of remaining calm and checking and eliminating all the possible causes one by one.
Try not to get too frustrated - treat it as a challenge, because you will be very pleased with yourself when you eventually fix the problem and your layout is back to operating as normal.
Enjoy your hobby.
