Trains.com

HELP: Two train Christmas tree layout

1308 views
2 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • 20 posts
HELP: Two train Christmas tree layout
Posted by Boscoed on Saturday, December 15, 2012 8:16 AM

I need help.  I assembled the two train layout under the Christmas tree as described in the December issue. However, it seems that no matter what i do to the sensitivity or time on one of the IR controllers, the inner loop never cooperates. It either provides constant voltage to the block or if it does stop the train, it starts whenever it pleases.  I've had it running for short periods, maybe  2-3 minutes then it just doesn't work. (I was wondered whether the controller heats up enough to throw the timing but it happenned when i swapped out the controller for another one) the outside loop(block) always works.  When the IR controller is triggered the trolley goes around and stops where it should and waits until the IR conroller is triggered. I've swapped out 2 controllers, but that didn't seem to help.  I'm going to shorten the leads from the controller to the inner loop block, but other than that, I'm at a loss.  I'm using a trolley on one loop, and a handcar on the other.  Any and all suggestions welcome.  Thanks, and a very Merry Chritstmas to you all!

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • 20 posts
Posted by Boscoed on Saturday, December 15, 2012 10:56 AM

Big Smile[:^Well, I swapped positions of the IR controllers and now it works as advertised. Go figure. 

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • 20 posts
Posted by Boscoed on Sunday, December 16, 2012 7:37 AM

I spoke to soon.  Still unreliable.  The only reliable solution thus far, is to use my 1950's trolley with a modern era trolley, or a Santa Speeder.  The Mickey-Minnie handcar is still a problem, and the switch opposite switch at times does not throw when the hand car has tripped one switch...I tried using an MTH trolley but that hasn't worked reliably either. I'm out of ideas.  thanks.

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month