Some basic help for a new 3 railer please

[TMSTLT]

Hi Everyone,

I have modeled in Z, N, HO, On30 and G for a while, and decided to give O 3 rail a try.  I am having a problem with my Atlas Industrial Rail steamer.  Sometimes when I put it into gear, it will not move and when I give it a push it will move reluctantly and it sounds like gears are grinding.  Other times it operates great. 

Here is my setup:

Used O-27 Track, but all in great shape.  Just an oval with 2 straights on each side.

K-Line AC Transformer with the Bell/Whistle functions

Using what I believe are wires that go to an O-27 switch for power from Transformer to track.

Also, does it matter which rails the common and the ground go to?

Thanks for your help

[lionelsoni]

Use wire that can safely carry the maximum current that your transformer can put out, that is, the current that the overcurrent protection is set for.

Connect the transformer common to the outside rails.  I doubt that any of your transformer's terminals is grounded.  Getting this wrong will swap the whistle and bell functions and may complicate turnout and accessory operation.

I doubt that your trouble is due to the transformer-track connection.

[TMSTLT]

Ok, that explains why my bell and whistle were switched!  I will try a larger wire when I get home and report back. 

[SantaFe158]

Make sure the center rail contacts, wheels and tracks are clean.  How many cars are you pulling with it?

[TMSTLT]

Ok, as predicted a larger wire did not help.  But I discovered if I put it in reverse, turn the power up, and give it a shove it will grind for about 3 feet, then speed up.  After that it works good untill I turn it off for a while, then I have to do it again.  Maybe a gear is coming out of place?  Also, I am just running the engine alone-I only have one other car so far anyway.

Thanks,

Jim

[overall]

Jim,

I would try other locomotives on your layout and see if they do the same thing. If they don't, then the problem is in the engine and not in the layout. I beleive that your problem is in the engine and not the layout from what you've said.

George

[TMSTLT]

I agree that it is sounding like the engine. Right now I only have the one engine.  My layout is just the track on the floor right now, although I hope to start a more permanent layout this weekend.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Did you start with the basics, oil and lube?

[TMSTLT]

I will have to read about how to do that on these.  I will read up and give it a try.  Thanks for the reply.