Layout is together, several questions....

[Boyd]

Well my all Fastrack bedroom layout is together. Its amazing how much money can disapear in that track but it looks nicer than 027.
1. How many feet of track do you put down before adding another set of wires to power the track.
2.I have some 70s cars with grease on the ends of the axles and they don't want to turn,,,, what should I do?
3.The original E-unit in my 8158 DMIR GP9 is really noisy and not working too well. Is there a way to clean it? It has an added on Lionel horn kit from the late 80s (sounds horrible) and a better/newer E-unit I think is in order. I would be removing the horn.
4. Do track cleaning cars work? I have seen several different types from several manufacturers.
Thats all the questions I can come up with now.

[tjsprague]

QUOTE: 1. How many feet of track do you put down before adding another set of wires to power the track.

I usually follow the rule of 6', or 6 track joints, whichever comes first. May seem like overkill, but if it's a permenant layout, you'll be happier in the long run.

QUOTE: 2.I have some 70s cars with grease on the ends of the axles and they don't want to turn,,,, what should I do?

Consider new trucks. If you like the look of the cars this is the best way to get them rolling nice.

QUOTE: 3.The original E-unit in my 8158 DMIR GP9 is really noisy and not working too well. Is there a way to clean it? It has an added on Lionel horn kit from the late 80s (sounds horrible) and a better/newer E-unit I think is in order. I would be removing the horn.

I'd replace it with an electronic e-unit. No more buzzing, no more sticking.

QUOTE: 4. Do track cleaning cars work? I have seen several different types from several manufacturers.

Yes, to a degree. I'd go with one of the newer ones. But consider where the dirt and grease that fouls your track comes from. Make sure all running stock and motive power has nice clean wheels before you put them on the track. Get the WD-40 and the Dremmel tool out. Also, LIGHTLY oil. Over oiling doesn't make it last longer, or work better, just gets on your track and collects dirt.

Lot's of luck. Post pix!

Tim

[otftch]

Check out the track cleaning car from North East Trains.It works and looks well.Go for the deluxe version with extra pads.We put a scotchbrite on the forward pad holder and denatured alcohal on the other.The pads really are washable. We usually run it in front of the loco.
Ed

[Anonymous]

So far I have found that the only thing "wet" track cleaning cars do a good job of is spreading the dirt around. The cleaning pads can hold only so much of the dirt. I some times run one of these around while following it with a rag.

[Roger Bielen]

With the joining system used on Fastrack I've found that 2 power connections on a 12' X 5' loop worked fine, even with one I had no problem with the Christmas layout. For tubular and Gargraves I've used 6' spacing.

As Tim said, I'd clean the old grease out using WD-40 and lightly re-oil the bearings.

Though I haven't rebuilt any E-units from what I've read a 3rd hand or jigs are useful in reassembly. If you plan on replacing with an electronic unit, try a squirt of WD-40 and see if that loosens things up, nothing ventured - nothing gained.

[IronHoarse]

I have a 4 x 17 Fastrack layout and only have power at one point. I have never had any trouble with it.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by IronHoarse

I have a 4 x 17 Fastrack layout and only have power at one point. I have never had any trouble with it.

How much power are you using?

[IronHoarse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by J. Fred Muggs

QUOTE: Originally posted by IronHoarse

I have a 4 x 17 Fastrack layout and only have power at one point. I have never had any trouble with it.

How much power are you using?

I am powering my layout with a 180 watt powerhouse. I have never run more than two engines at one time with a total of three motors. I do not know how much power they use. Don't know for sure but I have read that one powerhouse will handle four motors.

[Anonymous]

hey everyone,
so how do you hook 2 connections to a track? do you use 2 transformers? i am running a track of 12x5 with one mth Z750. It works fine I think but I want to go bigger and add switches, this probly would not be enough power huh.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainmaster7209

hey everyone,
so how do you hook 2 connections to a track? do you use 2 transformers? i am running a track of 12x5 with one mth Z750. It works fine I think but I want to go bigger and add switches, this probly would not be enough power huh.

Depends on what you are trying to do. The most basic setup just involves an extra set of wires coming off the same terminals of the transformer going to a different part of the track.

If you want to control 2 loops of track with separate speed controls in conventional mode, you'll need 2 sources of variable voltage. I'm not familiar with the Z750, does it have 2 handles.

[Anonymous]

actually i am using the z750 as a fixed power source from the mth dcs.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Well if you are using DCS then separate control isn't the issue, total power is. For modern engines with can motors 75 watts will get you pretty far. It is lighting that will eat up the power. I have a set of 7 MTH superliner cars which the lights alone draw more than 6 amps.

[Chris F]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Boyd

2.I have some 70s cars with grease on the ends of the axles and they don't want to turn,,,, what should I do?

Do the trucks have plastic sides and axles with tapered ends that fit into holes in the sides? If so, remove the grease with a solvent (e.g., TV tuner cleaner) and do not use any lubricant. The plastic (Delrin) is self-lubricating. Using a lubricant will only attract dirt and cause faster wear of the plastic.

[Anonymous]

Iron Hoarse
One 180 watt [10 amp] PoHo will handle 4-5 postwar engines motors easily and 7-8 modern-motored engines. The overload generally comes from lighted cars with incandescent bulbs which add up fast.
Example: my old postwar Lionel AA F-3s and Weaver AA E-8s[4 motors], each register about 2-1/2 to 3 amps load on my panel meters when running at moderate speed with 8-10 freight cars in tow. By comparison a recent JLC "J" and new Lionel PS-4 will barely draw 2-1/2 amps combined [both running in the same power district at speed].

When I couple 10-11 N&W and Southern lighted cars behind each of the respective engines I generally parallel a couple of 135 watt PoHos,linked to a TPC, for 15 amps capacity because the load exceeds a 180 PoHo's capacity.