Coupler Smoking

[Munster518]

I'm using the operating tracks on my layout that don't have that center for uncoupling cars, and I' ve come across one that when I pu***he unload botton the couplers on the car begin to smoke[:0] Im not sure if I'm giving it too much voltage or what but it seemed to do this with my postwar merchandise car. Any suggestions would help?

And also, what is the name of this type of track, Is it just another type of UCS?

Thanks
John[:)]

[Roger Bielen]

John,
I don't recall the designation for this type of operating track but it sounds like the type I have from my original O27 equiment that predated the magnetic button couplers. With the couplers being coil, i.e. selonoid, operated it is possible that you do have too high a voltage to the track and are frying the coils or you are holding the power on them too long. Probably 12 to 14 volts should operate most cars. If I remember correctly activating the operating button for the car also energized the couplers, always had to recouple after operating the milk car or dumping coal.

[Roger Bielen]

John,
Just remembered, if running a TMCC system the instruction book I have advised powering the operating tracks with a separate auxilliary power supply rather than track power.

[ben10ben]

Also, the wiring to your operating track may be dry rotted and disintegrating. If the cable gets twisted, it's possible for the parts of the wire missing insulation to short out and turn the control rails on all the time. I know this from experience.

[Anonymous]

Just saw a guy from Watkinsville and wanted to say Hi Roger, lived in Watkinsville and Oconee County for some of the best years of my life.

[Roger Bielen]

kdawg8762
Been here for 13 years now, moved down from Maryland, and'll probably stay. If the guy you know from Watkinsville is into trains have him look me up. If he stops at Memory Station Lewis can put him in touch with me.

[Anonymous]

You were the guy, meant I saw it in your post.