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Layout Electrical Question

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  • Member since
    January 2006
  • 621 posts
Posted by dsmith on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 11:02 AM

It is possible that your layout isn't level.  Even a slight tilt that isn't even visible can cause the trains to slow down slightly as they try to assend a slight uphill climb.  The trains will also speed up slightly as they go downhill also.  I had this problem on my layout.  I used a carpenter's level and shims (only about 3/8") to raise the lower end and it cured my problem.

  David from Dearborn  

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Delaware
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Posted by elvisp on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 8:52 AM

There three separate loops and the loss of power is not near a switch. The power feeds go to the center and outside rails. The track is new Atlas.

Is it possible that there is something in the room that is drawing power from that area of the layout? 

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Lake Worth FL
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Posted by phillyreading on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 7:13 AM
Is your problem near a switch? Sometimes at or near the switch you will have a loss of power because the outside rail is interupted electrically. On your additional power feeds, are you adding both center rail and outside rail power? Also older tracks may have power loss at the connections due to dirt or rust.
Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Delaware
  • 75 posts
Layout Electrical Question
Posted by elvisp on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 6:25 AM

I have a strange occurance on my layout. I have three loops. Two on the bottom which are controlled by separate posts on a ZW transformer.  The top level is powered by a TW  transformer. The problem is that all of the trains will slow down in the same area on the layout. I added additional power feeds on each loop in he area without success. I have tried several engines on each loop with the same result.  Any suggestions?

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