From what I've read the poor design on the brass contacts on Walthers SW1200 switcher and the easy potential for breakage of the contacts when removing the shell to access the motor, is common. I ordered a new walkway with intact contacts from Walthers.  I also installed a Digitrax decoder since the model I had was Dcc ready. The decoder went in fine.  The problem I am having is the failure to get a stable electrical connection again.  When I put the walkway with contacts on the un-shelled  body I get a connection and the engine runs.  However once I connect the walkway to the shell and place on the body, there is nothing.  Remove the shell, connection restored.  Put back the plastic shell and nothing. My feeling is that somehow the shell (with new contacts) is shorting, but how or why since it is mainly plastic.  Can any one offer some help?

I want to double check what I believe I read in the Forum:  I am switching a DC operation to DCC.  I currently have about 9 blocks.  While blocks are not necessary in a DCC operation, there is no physical reason I need to remove the block controls (plastic rail joiners and wiring).  And it may be advantageous to have blocks if a short occurs?  I am going to also throw in a question about turnouts:  remote control turnouts I have currently will work just fine using a separate AC hookup to one of my DC power packs.  Sorry if this question has been asked and answered.  Thanks.

I've been plagued with frequent derailments which occur on 2 code 80 remote switches; one right and one left.  Both are positioned after 9" radius curves.  When in the  switch position my diesels are prone to derail going into the turn.  Is this possibly a function of switching, the potential for derailing? Are the curve radii too tight? Are diesel engines prone to derail? Using both atlas and Bachmann engines. Checked track alignments, slow engine speeds, cleaned tracks etc.  Any thoughts?

Having just finished ballasting I cleaned my tracks and gave my diesel a run to check the electrical conductivity.  Besides some sticky remote turnouts the major problem I encountered is the loss of power in one segment.  This is an isolated segment with a terminal joiner and plastic rail connectors.  The power loss appears to happen at the remote switch.  I have verified power between the terminal connector and track to the turnout. I have power in the common rail. However my tester shows no power on the track and turnout past the insulators.  Have I some how shorted out my power at the remote turnout during the ballasting process?  I would appreciate any thoughts.

I have watched almost every you tube video on ballasting.  But I am running into a problem.  After laying down the ballast, when I wet down the ballast and apply the cement (woodland scenic) with an eye dropper I keep getting ballast particles winding up on the track ties.  I am sure that I am removing all ballast from the ties prior to gluing.  Also I have noticed that the cement when applied tends to reshape the ballast.  I am applying the cement carefully, down close to the track.  My wet water contains dish detergent as stated in numerous videos.  Any suggestions how I can get a smoother result when applying glue or what I may be doing wrong?

If a question has been asked and answered to my satisfaction is it possible to delete that question?  I have tried by hitting delete and get a message that states "you cannot delete topic in this forum."  Do questions/topics stay forever?

I'm running into a mental block concerning DC polarity.  I am setting up for 2 cab operation, and for purposes of understanding my question, let's say I have 2 basic ovals connected by turnouts. I have placed plastic rail joiners to create separate blocks, connected everything to an Atlas selector etc; where I am getting hung up is while I am using separate cabs to control Train A on the outer oval and Train B on the inner oval mustn't they always run in the same direction due to the polarity of the control and common tracks?  In other words when you change direction of Train A aren't you changing the polarity of the common rail, so that the polarity of the common rail would conflict with the polarity of the common rail controlling Train B?  Am I making this too complicated for myself?  My hobby shop guy says the polarity only changes on the control rail.  Diagrams in the Atlas wiring manual show positive and negative rails. Some track plans (Atlas) in discussing turnouts specifically talk about "opposing trains."  Any clarification is appreciated. 
PS there are no wyes or reversing loops in my layout.

Things seem to get more complicated as I wander deeper into the hobby.  Re couplers: Does anyone  care to weigh in on which brand of couplers are most universal in terms of working with different train makers?  I like the idea of using magnetic couplers but noted several manufacturers now supply their magnetic couplers on their products e.g., Bachmann, Atlas etc. and of course MTI.  I currently have dummy knucklers on my Bachmann cars and rapidos on older rolling stock.  Would like to standardize my couplers, though not every car needs magnetics.  Any thoughts on how to simplify replacements? I have seen a You Tube video comparing couplers but don't think he talked about compatibility. 

Which model diesels (DC only) are the latest Bachmann models?  Having had the experience of finding that the motor for my GP 40 diesel is no longer available, I have no desire to be in the position of needing parts only to find out that they are no longer in production.

I just discovered that one of the motor shaft couplers has come off.  I believe I now need to replace the motor.  However the parts store says the GP 40 motors are out of stock and / or discontinued.  I wonder if it possible to solder the coupler back on to the motor shaft?  Otherwise I am open to suggestions.  Hate to lose the engine.  it cost $35 to purchase a new under chassis. Just noticed that the chassis are out of stock.  Almost the cost of a new GP 40 diesel. I hope I am making myself clear as to which part is broken. It holds the plastic propeller shaft that connects to the trucks.



 

I have a 2 Bachmann diesels.  The older of the 2 (1+yrs) stops running when it hits a switch or crossing track. The newer of the two has no issues whatever.  It runs smoothly around the entire layout, crossings and all.  I am using code 80 track and crossings.  Tracks and wheels have been cleaned, but for some reason I feel I am losing electrical contact at the switches with this one diesel.  Any thoughts?