Stalling and hesitating locomotives

[Anonymous]

I have several Atlas SD-24 and SD-35 locomotives that exhibit electrical hesitation, stalling and will stall at turnout frogs. My layout is HO with standard DC analog system electrics and Atlas code 83 track. The track is cleaned regularly with chemical cleaners and bright boy. Locomotive wheels now have to be chemically cleaned before each operating session which helps but this seems excessive. I feel more like a maintenance man than a model railroader. Would different wheels or wiring configuration help make these engines perform like they should? Thanks in advance for help or assistance.

[nfmisso]

Are these the recent made in China models, or the older made in Austria models?

I have had no problems my Chinese Atlas locomotives.

[rlandry6]

I would take a volt meter, turn the power supply on, any setting it shouldn't matter, and measure voltage across the tracks at various points, especially around the areas where the locos stall. You should be within a couple of tenths of a volt everywhere. If you aren't, you're getting some voltage drop somewhere.
Also, you didn't mention if all of your locos exibit the same problem, and if it happens in the same places everytime. Sure sounds like a voltage problem to me..

[Anonymous]

Thanks nfmisso and rlandry6 for your replys, These locomotives are Chinese types purchased about two years ago. I checked the track voltage all around the main line and there is no difference at any point. The stalling is random in nature except more consitent at the turnout frogs. I have several repowered and hard wired Athearn units with the old sintered metal wheels which are not affected by this condition. Also my Genesis F-units do not show this problem either. P2K units also need some wheel cleaning but not so frequently.

[jeffshultz]

Disassemble the trucks - I found on my GP38 that the trucks and axles can pick up an amazing variety of junk that when cleaned out improved the electrical performance immeasurably.

[Anonymous]

Yes Yes clean the wheels. I check mine about once a month and it's amazing what builds up in one month. The Athearn tend to be more forgiving than my other locmotives.

[johncolley]

Also, clean the wheels on every car! If they are plastic, change them to metal wheelsets. The plastic are notorious for collecting and distributing gunk.One other possibility, get a can of TV tuner cleaner and lightly spray the contact wipers behind the wheels of your locomotives. (another useful hint...also lightly spray the contact areas and wipers on your turnouts.)

[Texas Zepher]

Don't just clean the wheels. Take the truck covers off and clean the wheel wipers. I've found they like to collect dust bunnies. I've also soldered on an additional wiper for the center wheels. From the factory only four of the six wheels in each truck are picking up electricity.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I believe that I have some ideas that will be helpful . I had no idea that these locomotives were so sensitive to dirt and electrical pick-up.