I am using Atlas track and switches for my first permanent layout. When I run some of my engines over the switches, the e-unit is tripped. It does not happen to all locos. With the e-unit turned off, they operate fine. The gentleman at the hobby shop suggest this happens sometime and he suggested filing down the rail at the point of the switch.
Has anyone had this problem? What is the correct fix?
There has been a lot of discussion about Atlas switches on all of the forums. Basically the insulated gap is longer on them then on some of the other brands. If you are running smaller locomotives with closely spaced pickup rollers they will lose contact with the center rail. This causes the e unit to trip and put the loco in neutral position. I use all Atlas switches and do not have a problem, but I know others have had this problem.
You might want to do a search on ‘Atlas switches’ and read some of the discussions.
Oh, and welcome to the forum. [:)]
I also have Atlas track, switches (036 and #5), and I have a similar problem with a couple locos. Mine usually just stop without power at all unless they have some speed behind them. When they do stop, I can tilt them to one side and see that they stopped exactly inside the insuating gap. This is why I’m planning to add a small tender to my K-Line porter. To extend it’s center rail pickups out a couple inches. The other engine that stops occationally is the Polar Express loco. It stops on a #5 switch. Tilt it up…sure enough, same problem. That one is an easiler fix, since the tender does have its own pickup rollers (for the whistle), I just need to run a jumper wire between the engine and tender pickups.
I’m a relative newbie to the 3-Rail arena, but others here may be able to supply you with a proper fix (instead of my bandaids above).
What engines are giving you the problem, and on which switches?
Bobby
I am using the 045 Nickle Switches. My GG-1 goes through fine. My 736 only trips on 1-2 switches. My MPC GP-9 trips on every switch.
elvisp,
I found the link that has some help for you. Read this info.