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Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: Cody J on May 11, 2008, 11:08:12 AM

Title: Locomotive Loses Power
Post by: Cody J on May 11, 2008, 11:08:12 AM
Can Anyone Think of a reason why my locomotive loses power on some parts of my brothers track but my brothers locomotive doesnt lose power.  When I put my engine on my track it doesnt lose power?

Would Prefer A Quick Response

-Cody L. Jackson
Title: Re: Locomotive Loses Power
Post by: SteamGene on May 11, 2008, 12:39:06 PM
Openers would be who has what locomotives?
Gene
Title: Re: Locomotive Loses Power
Post by: ta152h0 on May 11, 2008, 12:45:57 PM
Two things come to mind quickly.1- Motor needs oil ( very sparsely applied very important. 2- wheels not clean. And yes, more details than " my locomotive "
Title: Re: Locomotive Loses Power
Post by: Cody J on May 11, 2008, 02:31:09 PM
Its a Red & Grat Santa Fe-END GP40 Locomotive(its the one that comes with the thunderbolt Train set.

-Thanks

-Cody L. Jackson
Title: Re: Locomotive Loses Power
Post by: NelsOn-30 on May 11, 2008, 05:13:14 PM
Some thoughts:

Using only the rails to distribute power throught a layout could be the source of the problem. There can be significant resistance in the rail and joiners. This resistance will result in a voltage drop (speed change) in proportion to the current drawn by a locomotive. This could be why the difference in effect (speed).

If you understand the above you know why large gauge buss wires and multiple feeds provide trouble free DCC operation.

Title: Re: Locomotive Loses Power
Post by: ta152h0 on May 12, 2008, 11:53:40 PM
I pulled mine out of the box, never ran before. Runs fine albeit feels really light. I am guessing by now you have the issue fixed. for the record my track was cleaned with a fine grit paper ( 800 grit ) after smoothing the bumps where the rail joiners are.
Title: Re: Locomotive Loses Power
Post by: rogertra on May 13, 2008, 02:42:36 AM
Quote from: ta152h0 on May 12, 2008, 11:53:40 PM
I pulled mine out of the box, never ran before. Runs fine albeit feels really light. I am guessing by now you have the issue fixed. for the record my track was cleaned with a fine grit paper ( 800 grit ) after smoothing the bumps where the rail joiners are.

Never use an abrasive, of any kind including track "erasers" to clean you track as they all pit the railhead, creating more gunk in the process.
Title: Re: Locomotive Loses Power
Post by: ta152h0 on May 16, 2008, 10:49:50 PM
here is the scoop. it is the power pack that comes with the set. Starts failing and causes the locomotive to sputter here and there. Happened today while running the engine. Hooked up a MRC power pack and it runs fine now.
W