Getting new setup running

[lkrotzer]

I am new to trains.  My grandson has been a train freak since he was two and still is at seven.  I want to make a nice setup for him.  I have a 4 x  8 table with three runs four switches.  I've just assembled it and it won't run.  The switches work, but the train won't run.  We've run it on  a single circle, but now, with the extra loops I can't get it to go.  I've learned quite a bit in the last few months trying to get this ready for him, but I am way short of knowing enough and would really appreciate some help.  Thanks.  Lkrotzer

ps: We have Thomas and Douglas and ez track and switches.

[bapguy]

Can you give us the track plan? It might help solve your problem.  Joe

[richg]

It might help to take some photos. Get a Photo Bucket account and upload them to the forums. That way others here can get a pretty good idea of what you are doing and maybe they can manipulate the photo and look at a particular spot that might cause the issue/issues.
Many times a photo can reveal a lot.

http://photobucket.com/

Rich

[GG1onFordsDTandI]

If you don't have a camera, and your not a good artist, you could try out a layout design program. There are some good free ones, Anyrail is my favorite seems easiest to me . They offer a free trial version which never expires, and no registration . (Limit is about 50 pieces of track on the free one. ) 

[Joe Satnik]

Dear Lkrotzer,

We're trying to determine if you have "reverse loops", which need special attention to work properly.

M R
l /
l/ T2
l
P

L M
\ l
\l T3
  l
  P

L = left, R = right, M = main, P = points, T2 = turnout 2 (of 4 in your case)

Tell us how the 4 turnouts hook to one another. 

For example,

T1-M to T2-P,

T3-L to T4-R,

Etc. until all 12 turnout ends (4 turnouts x 3 ends each) are covered. 

If there is a crossing between turnouts, let us know.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik