dead spots all over??????????????

[Anonymous]

hello i have a 3x4 n scale layout, and today i recently fixed up some points on my track, i added flex track to the whole one end turn on my layout, and im notice now, that not just on the flex track, but also my sectional track that the engine will just stop, and with a little bump it will continue on, i just wiped off my track and the train is running better, but im sure it could be running alot better< overall i believe that this is prob just from dirty flex track, laying around the hobby shop for who knows how long, is this the reason or is it a wiring thing, i highly doubt it considering im still in my track process and only have two sets of powered rail joiners, no varying sections or anything like that? is my assumption about my track being dirty right, or is it a wiring thing?

[twhite]

Tim--it could be a combination of things. I'd take a brite-boy to the track first of all, then check your track-joiners. If they're loose, you'll lose a lot of power, and some sections will just go dead. Usually a gentle press with needle-nose pliers will tighten them up, but since you're in N scale, BE VERY GENTLE! Also, check your loco wheels--if they haven't been cleaned in a while, you may have some gunk on them that needs to be taken off. I turn the loco over in a cradle, apply power, then use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to clean the wheel treads. Are your track leads soldered, or connected to a piece of track by screws? If screws, check that they're tight, if soldered, check to see if the wire actually got soldered to the track and not the ties (I know that sounds smart-***, but you'd be surprised how many times I'VE done it!). Probably the Brite-Boy and a wheel-cleaning on your locomotives might just solve the problem. Good luck!
Tom

[grayfox1119]

It could be the track being oxidized (dirty), but it also could be bad connections. I had a layout set up for Christmas, about 100 feet in total length, the engine would get to one spot and stop. If I pushed the engine ahead a little, it would go OK. It turned out to be a track connector that looked OK, but was too loose.