027 Guage Train Keeps Shorting

[Anonymous]

Hello, I've had my model train for quite a while and normally pull it out around Christmas. The transformer has been acting funky for the past couple years and finally went caputz. No part of the train will power up. All track pieces are good and all connections were checked. So I went to the local hobby store and all that they had was the Rail King Z1000 transformer and controller. I bought it and now am encountering the same problem. I have tried both transformers on various small test loops with different cars on them and the Z1000's breaker keeps tripping after a few seconds. The Lionel transformer doesnt work at all. Any suggestions?

[Roger Bielen]

Try the track without anything on it. If it is old tubular track maybe one of the pieces of insulation for the center rail, where the rail is crimped to the tie, has failed. If you have a continuity tester you could quickly do each piece.

To test the engine, with it laying upside down touch wires from the trans to the pick-up roller(s) and a wheel.

Good luck.

[Roger Bielen]

P.S. Just noticed your new to the forum. Welcome to the goup.

[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]

[Anonymous]

Well, figured it out... the connector had gone bad. Got a new one and everythings fine again.

[dwiemer]

Squigster,
Welcome[#welcome] to the forum. You will find lots of knowledge shared here. Your older transformer should be checked out by a hobby shop or someone with good knowledge to fix these things. It may be a good transformer to hold onto and need only minimal repair. I have a few 1033's that just need a new cord. You may need it as your train collection expands. Ask plenty of questions and you will be surprised what you learn here in a short amount of time.
Regards,
Dennis

[ChiefEagles]

Glad you figured it out. I had shorts suddenly "crop up" and I start from the beginning [disconnect everything and start with one connection] and work forward. Last one was the wire soldered to the center rail on a section had rubbed enough to short to the outer rail. Heavy engines passing over it would may the short. Took a little time but figured it out.