As I expand my American Flyer layout, I notice a drop in speed on my engines, something I recall also happening as a child. It is not a huge loss of speed, but it is noticeable. Would a second track power clip at the far end of the layout do the trick? Incidentally, I am using an 8B transformer.
Rich
Alton Junction
It might very well do the trick. But use wire that is a better conductor than the track that is causing the voltage drop, that is, 14 AWG or heavier. If the wire is too big to get into your "track terminal", attach an inch or two of the biggest wire that will fit to the end of the heavier wire, perhaps with a wire nut.
Bob Nelson
Put a feeder for both base and variable about every six to 8 feet. Also expect a slowdown in isolated sections operating certain accesories like semiphores, and cow on the track, ect.
Jim
Also is it lubed well ? Sometimes if an engine gets too warm/hot from drag of dry areas on it ... it'll slow down .
lionelsoni It might very well do the trick. But use wire that is a better conductor than the track that is causing the voltage drop, that is, 14 AWG or heavier. If the wire is too big to get into your "track terminal", attach an inch or two of the biggest wire that will fit to the end of the heavier wire, perhaps with a wire nut.
Bob,
Good point. I will put together a better wiring system. Currently, I am using the original wires and track clip for reasons of nostalgia. But, I will move to a more sound electrical setup.
Sturgeon-Phish Put a feeder for both base and variable about every six to 8 feet. Also expect a slowdown in isolated sections operating certain accesories like semiphores, and cow on the track, ect. Jim
The feeders are a good idea, Jim, and I will do so. On my HO layout, I have dropped feeders every 3 to 6 feet to a set of 14 gauge bus wires underneath the layout.
Ole Timer Also is it lubed well ? Sometimes if an engine gets too warm/hot from drag of dry areas on it ... it'll slow down .
Good point to keep in mind. I can tell you that the speed gets slower as the engine gets farther away from the power source, then regains the lost speed as it gets closer to the power source on the return side of the oval. So, it definitely seems to be a voltage drop or loss rather than a lubrication problem. But, I will pay attention to that point as well.
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