Layout Conductivity Diagnosis Update

[ADCX Rob]

IDM1991

Until I am able to get new brushes (are they sold in Canada?),

Ian D. McKechnie,

I'll make a deal with you - I have this leftover(little less than $5CDN) ETR invoice that needs paying, I will mail you a pair of brushes and the invoice, if you just pay the invoice we'll call it even?

[IDM1991]

Greetings;

A little over a month ago, a posted an inquiry here about what I feared was a major conductivity issue on my modest 6'x12' O Gauge layout.  In particular, I expressed concern about the sluggish performance of a Lionel 675 steam locomotive and a flashing red light atop a KW transformer.  After taking both to a local train show over the weekend, I can now provide an update on their present status:

1.  Although the 675 definitely needs to be lubricated, its sluggish performance during its first run of 2014 was due to the brushes being worn down so badly to the point of needing replacement (I suppose I overran the thing during the Christmas season!).  Until I am able to get new brushes (are they sold in Canada?), the locomotive will have to be on sabbatical for a while.

2.  A retired electrician presiding over a large Lionel layout at our local train show replaced the KW's cord, tightened its circuit breaker, and replaced one of the terminals connected to the "B" throttle.  After coming home from the show, I revamped my layout so that I can now run two trains on independent main lines (the outer line is not connected to the inner loop, while the latter features a passing siding and a stub-ended spur track for storing an assortment of Marx six-inch cars).  The layout now runs without any significant issues.

Sincerely,
Ian D. McKechnie, B.A. (Hons.)
Lindsay, Ontario
Canada