DC Model Trains Work Better on Clean Tracks

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

Poorly operating locomotives are simple to identify. When faced with these problem machines, it's always best if you're familiar with the basic operations of these models. This knowledge will assist you when repairing model trains that fall ill on your watch.

The first course of understanding is that electricity is your juice or the origin of your power. That being said, if you hook up your pack, twist the knob and give the steam whistle a toot, but the engine just sits there, your first recourse is to check all electrical connections starting with the one in your wall.

After checking your wall connection and proving it's innocence, follow the power cord leading form the power supply to the wall. Look for breaks in the wire, burn marks or any inconsistencies that you think would cause problems and prevent the layout from operating properly.

If you are still at a loss for answers, then follow the charges next logical course. The charge travels along a wire leading from the power pack to a bus resting on one rail. This is the most logical location to search for layout halting problems.

Your DC current enters the circuit at this junction. Entering through the wheels and traveling through the locomotive to it's motor, the current can be traced as it dumps off life giving forces to the electric components. The power pack which was at the beginning of this electrical journey is also at its closing as the current completes it's circuit by traveling back through the opposite rail and re-entering the power pack.

Word to the wise. If your wheels are unclean they could lead to complications during operations. Electrical impulses can be muffled or disrupted by dirt on tracks. In severe cases you may not receive any reception at all.

This is why it's always a good Idea to clean your wheels and the track before and after long runs.

By following these simple steps you'll most likely find your problem. if you continue to have issues with power you may want to test you power pack with a multi meter and also check your engines electrical motor for dirt or foreign objects binding gears into submission. - 30326

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