why does my train stop at a certain point on the tracks?

[bmw330i2005]

When i start my train near where the wires from the controller are attatched from the track, it runs fine. But when i run my train further down the track, it will eventually stop. why does this happen? anyone help me?

[selector]

Several possibilities, but it all comes down to power connectivity from rail length to rail length.  It can be corrosion or dirt, improperly installed rail ends into the joiner, or the joiner is splayed due to the engine causing the joint to work up and down when the weight of the engine passes over top the joint.  That would be due to defective roadbed.  This is a problem on rugs and on old wood flooring, as examples.

Where the engine stops suddently, use a wooden skewer or dowel to press lightly up and down on the next joints behind and in front of the engine, but also the joint under the engine.   If it begins to move at any point, you know where the fault lies.

For future reference, most of us have come to accept that metal joiners are going to let us down...one by one, over time.  So, if we are building what is meant to be a semi-permanent or permanent layout, we solder the most of the joiners to eliminate the gremlins of that nature.

Crandell

[skagitrailbird]

I made a very inexpensive power detecting tool using a 16v light bulb and two test leads.  I cut one of the alligator clips off each of the leads, stripped about 3/16" of insulation off and soldered those ends to the light bulb.  If there is power, the bulb lights up.  If not it remains dark. Occasionally I will clip one or both of the leads to the track but often I just slide one or both along until the light goes on or off as the case may be.  Makes it very easy to see where contact is lost or gained.  A multimeter will do this, too, but it's more expensive and you have to look at the meter to see what it is registering.  With the bulb you see it light up or darken out of the corner of your eye while you focus on placement of the leads.

Good luck.

[Johnnny_reb]

Used an old seatbelt buzzer to do the same thing.