Hi everyone.  In 2005 I bought a large scale Xmas set.  Most of the couplings have failed and I now use cable ties.

I see part # 92420 - knuckle couplers.  Think they will fit on my set?

If it came in a big box, did you look under the styerfoam?

Yes I agree.  I received very good instruction and I am very grateful.  I just checked the controller and it says 16v ac input.  As this is a holiday item, I am ok with the speed.  Maybe down the road if we decide to expand, I'll get a more powerful power supply. 

Once again I thank everyone who has responded; I learned alot about my train, learned some diagnostic tools and met some nice people.

Bill

Well I think I check most things.  I changed the polarity switch.  I tested each wheel's pick up.  All 8 are picking up current.

I tested the motor voltage at the center terminals of the polarity switch and it reads 16.5 v DC when running.

So, maybe my speed of 15 seconds for 30 feet is the way it was designed.  This is the first year that I am using all the track supplied with the set.

Ok, will check wheel continuity on all wheels.

I did notice that the front trunk wheels don't really meet the track.  I'll figure out how to lower them.

 

Ok, I'll do this over the weekend and let you know.  Last time I oiled the insides I did break one connection and another popped off.  I soldered the broken one.  My continuity test showed that my solder job was good.  Maybe the other two electrical pickups are broken.

Thank you Joe,

I do have that track polarity switch.  I'll check that.

Front truck - is that the trunk that has four non-powered wheels?  Why is it wired?  I'll check them. 

The motor is so deep in the body that I may not be able to do a motor voltage test, but I will try.  I'll also check for bad connections as best I can. 

The train still runs at the same speed, so it's not getting slower.  I can live with it.  But I like working on the engine.

Ok, when train is running I get 16.5 volts dc at the power pack and 16.2 at the furthest distance from the power pack.

No, train runs at consistent speed all around.  I'll check the voltage during a run and advise results.

Ok, no slipping gears.  Volts are 17.5 dc all around.  I'm going to clean the wheels.  I don't think I have an extra lube problem at the motor since I can never figure out how to oil it.  It's too deep into the body.

I'm ok with the speed that I compute at 1.36 mph.   If it slows down more I'll get a more powerfiul powerpack.

Thank you for your help.  Now, how do I get the kids to stop knocking it off the track?

I'll check the track again and test the volts as you suggested.  The front pilot truck is positioned properly.  How do I know if the gears are slipping?  My heavy lube bottle leaks and therefore the gears got lots of heavy lube.

 

This is the fourth Holiday season for my North Star Express.  I keep the track clean, it's connected properly and I grease and lube the engine and cars when I set it up every year.  This year the train is running considerably slower than normal.  Only one difference.  This year I am using the entire length or track, about 32 feet.  The power pack provides 16 volts ac.  I time one lap at 15 seconds.  Track measures 17.5 volts dc.  Any ideas? 

Thanks to all in advance