Shop Departments:
- Trains - Things to Consider
- Trains - Build a Garden Railroad
- Trains - Troubleshooting
- Trains - Marklin
Trains - Troubleshooting
My Train Won't Go...
Make sure transformer is plugged in to a working outlet.
Touch the wires from the transformer directly to the metal wheels of the loco, one wire to the right side wheels and the other to the left side. IF the loco does not go, it needs to be serviced.
Please note that on AC type of locos (O ga Lionel, MTH etc. and Marklin HO) one of the pickups is a roller or shoe in the center of the loco and the other pickup is the wheels. This is a quick set of tests to pin point the possible problems.
Cleaning
Cleaning your track is one of the best ways of improving model train performance.
We use Goo Gone. It is a general cleaning agent that seems to remove all of the grime that builds up on the rails. Use a small amount on a rag and just wipe. If the track is rusted or corroded use fine sandpaper or a track cleaning block (Bright Boy). After sanding the rails, wipe with Goo Gone or other cleaner.
Next are the wheels of the locomotive. Use the Goo Gone or fine sandpaper and make sure they are bright and shiny.
Transformers
One of the other questions we get asked a lot is: How big a transformer do I need and why does the train slow down on the other side of the layout?
A transformer is usually strong enough if the train runs well when it is near the track connection with the transformer. To cure the slow down on the other side of the layout run another set of wires to the other side of the layout as a new feed. Remember to connect the same rails.