I just bought my son his first model train set for Christmas. We had no trouble when we set up a simple 6'x4' oval. Today we tried to set up an additional section using two pieces of switch track to make an extension that rejoins the original oval at two points. When we tried to run the train after installing this new section it went very slow and died out when the engine got a couple of track sections away from our power point. The interesting thing is that if we made a disconnection in the new track section the train would run fine on all sections of the track. When we reconnected that section and made a disconnect in the original section of track, the train would run poorly, or not at all again. Any tips?
Nickel silver track is not the best of conductors, and certainly no match for copper wires. So, as we ask the voltage to spread around longer lengths of NS rails, we find that voltage suffers noticeably.
You need to add at least one more pair of feeder wires, and it sounds like a good place would be smack-dab in the middle of the new siding. You will have to figure out how to splice the new wires into what exists, and run them out to the siding, but keep the correct wires to the correct rails...left rail wire to left rail. Use a gauge 20 wire if you can, particularly if your reach is going to be in the order of 4' or more.
One other thing to check is that, when you added more rail, you may have inadvertently splayed one or more metal joiners on the track running adjacent to the new section. Weakened and dirty or corroded joiners are very poor performers. A good idea is to gently probe the rails with a multi-meter to test for voltage here and there. You may find a joiner or three that are not making good contact.
You may have inadvertantly created a "reverse loop" with your addition. Follow the track around the addition. Does the train end up at the same point going in the opposite direction? If so, you have a reverse loop, and special wiring in needed.
If you have done this, and the trains still run, then you also have poor connectivity between your track sections. If you set up a reverse loop and don't make appropriate provisions for insulating the track, the track should be a dead short and the trains should not run at all.
The solution, by the way, is relatively easy and inexpensive, but you need to first figure out if this is the problem.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Thank you MisterBeasley! I did indeed have a "reverse loop." I corrected the situation and the trains are now running great. Your advice has helped to make one little boy very happy. I think that we have a new model railroad enthusiast who will be enjoying this new hobby for a very long time. Happy Holidays!
Hi!
Young Elliot may be on his way to a lifelong hobby - filled with enjoyment, learning, and accomplishments. Like a lot of the "older" model railroaders here, I started out with my love of trains at the age of 7 or 8, and at 65 it is as strong or stronger than ever.
Model railroading is a multi-facited hobby, and much of the "stuff" you learn with it can serve you elsewhere too. And, the vast majority of model railroaders are friendly, and always willing to share ideas and expertise, and a whole lot of stories.
ENJOY !!!!!
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
elliott'sdadYour advice has helped to make one little boy very happy. I think that we have a new model railroad enthusiast who will be enjoying this new hobby for a very long time.
Thanks, you made my day!
Best wishes for the new year to both of you.
Thank you all for the kind words. Enthusiast appears to be the wrong word. I think that fanatic has become a more appropriate tag. I, too, am looking forward to many years of enjoying this new hobby with my son. If anyone knows whether or not I can post the video of him opening this present on this site I would love to share it. If that is not possible you can always try my Facebook page. Just look under George Berz. Thanks again!
elliott'sdadIf anyone knows whether or not I can post the video of him opening this present on this site I would love to share it.
HiA lot of people use YouTube for posting videos. Was just watching a fairly decent one there on installing Tortoise machines in thick foam. Or perhaps the personal web site available from their internet provider. All you really need is someplace to put a MPEG or WMF (windows video) file, the IE or FireFox will take care of the playback.
Good luck with the layout. I think it's great that you and your son can enjoy this activity together for the years to come.
Alan
Co-owner of the proposed CT River Valley RR (HO scale) http://home.comcast.net/~docinct/CTRiverValleyRR/