Every Christmas we setup our trains for a few weeks. The layout consists of 3 circular tracks inside each other, connected by switches and powered by 3 DC power packs. Each loop has one powered track connected to a separate DC transformer.
Every year we have track power problems, but this year is now the worst. The two interior tracks work fine, the problem is with the outer track. The Batman train (with sounds on so we can diagnose problems) goes only so far and then stops, turns silent, and clearly is not getting power. We tighten the tracks, no change. We exchange the two pieces of track and then it works for 1 or 2 loops but then dies. But then it will work if we run the train backwards!
The Santa Fe Chief doesn't work at all. It shows power, but the light on the remote flashes even in the middle position. Last year we had a problem with the Polar express in that the sound effects did not work. Lionel support was difficult.
Any suggestions about how to get around these problems? Any suggestions for next year? The other members of the family are suggesting we ditch Lionel for another O size train from a different manufacturer where things actually work year to year ...
Just to help others, help you, What type of track are you using?
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Are the track and wheels and rollers clean?
DC? Does this train run ok on the other loops? If so then you have a track problem or poor power distibution.
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Just to rule the power pack out, does the problem move when the powerpack on the outer loop is traded for one from one of the other loops?
I'm no electrical expert as is lionelsoni, the resident authority on such issues. But I ahave read where DC current attracts more dirt and grime to the track and wheels than does AC current. Maybe lionelsoni can comment on this.
I run my layout on DC current (which is another story) and I have found I have to clean my track and locomotive wheels a little more frequently than I once did. Dirty track and locomotive wheels can absolutely cause some of the problems you are experiencing.
Even using a tranformer putting AC current to the track, you still need to wipe the track and engines wheels clean every so often. I had a friend whose layout wasn't running very good either. I asked him, when was the last time you cleaned the track? So he did so and it made a marked improvement.
Many people use 91% isopropyl alcohol for cleaning wheels and track. For track, dampen a soft scrub sponge, wipe the rails of the track and see how much black comes off.
For locomotive wheels, I use a folded paper towel. Dampen a section of the towel with isopropyl alcohol, turn the engine upside down in your hands, hold one wheel still and wipe the wheel opposite on the same axle, working gradually around the whole wheel until it's clean. Use caution not to get any paper towel shreds in the wheel gears or that will cause other problems.
I don't know how adversely the alcohol affects rubber traction tires, but I wipe mine just once or twice around and then wipe it dry. I haven't seen any ill effects from this.
brianel, Agent 027
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Don't know if you have solved your problem? Here's one more potential solution, illustrated in this video. The fix begins about a minute and a half into the video.
https://www.lionelsupport.com/ProductInstructionalVideos/video.cfm?documentID=6968
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