I'm trying to build my son a train layout! I've got a problem though :(
I'm building the HO-4 Layout Twice Around in 4 x 6
Its a really nice set up. I have the grass, road bed, and track all down and most of the wiring done!
However section "4" of the track isn't working properly.
Here is what happens: The section is hooked up the EXACT same way as all other sections of the track.
All the other sections work PERFECTLY as long as section 4 is turned off, but when I turn on section 4 the speed of the train decreases significantly and the power wants to overload.
I've looked at this time and time again and I can't figure it out. My 3 year old is so disappointed. He wants to see his train go around, and around...and he can't :(
Please someone help us! I don't know what else to do.
I'm not familiar with the layout you're building, but it sounds like you may have the wires to the 4th section reversed. Try disconnecting the wires to that section, or reverse them, and see if that solves the problem.
If the 4th section is a reverse loop where the track turns back on itself, you must use insulated rail joiners in both rails at both ends of the loop so it doesn't short out the other track.
Thats what I thought it was too :( I tried it and it didn't work... Thanks for the tip though, really appreciated.
Brandon and his son!
Is this your layout? Where is the problem occuring?
Brandon8181 wrote:I'm building the HO-4 Layout Twice Around in 4 x 6 ... section "4" of the track isn't working properly
What brand of crossing did you use for this. Is it an Atlas?
Did you use the common rail method of wiring?
Are you using Atlas "selector" switches?
Yes! Thats the layout exactly. I fixed the problem though finally. The problem began at where there are the two switch board leading to the dead end track, and continued over the cross over track till the next powered section of track took over. I found a problem that I've never ran into before. I've built a few other trains before 4 X 4 and 4 X 8. The switch board that led to the dead in apparently had shorted out, or something and was causing the whole section of track (section 4) to not operate properly. I replaced that switch board and everything is running fine now!
Thank you so much for your help!
Yes, section 4 is part of the crossing. I tried EVERYTHING to fix the problem, including your suggestion. By isolating sections of the track I finally found it was the switchboard that led to the dead end that was bad.
All my supplies are Atlas and I am using the (C) method!
Thanks for your help!
Nice going, dad!
Railroading with kids is about as good as it gets.
Hope the both of you are enjoying yourselves.
Well, I'm so excited! We're now at the point that we can atleast "play" with the train. You know, everything being down..all the wiring done etc. It's so cool. He's only 2 (almost 3), but really enjoys it. We spent all day playing with it yesterday!
He's learned how to make the train go forward/backward control speed and he also knows which button to "flip" on the selector to keep the 2 trains from crashing on the cross over track!
He loves it and so do I. Hopefully when we get alot more space I can build us the big layout that I'm looking at 4 x 8 x 4.
Thanks again for all your help!