Am fairly new to model trains and limited knowledge; have 5 trains on 8 by 12’ layout , running on four levels. Ground, 6", 12" and 18" inches. Four are O gauge and all old used and they run just fine, however the S gauge which consists of 12 curved and 18 straights does not run well and it is elevated 6". Did buy a new S guage Lionel switcher thinking it was my old Amer Flyer engine. Have the main connection and 2 drop downs and seem to be getting correct voltage wherever I check it. It has been taken up and the rails cleaned with "Sandflex " bar from Micro-Mark, checked continuity with a meter, and used pliers made to tighen rail joiners. Have Tech 4 MRC 280 (which I don’t like) and tried MTH Z4000 with no better results. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Any sugestions would be greatly appreciated.
Larry
Does your locomotive use AC or DC voltage? If it uses DC, the 280 may not put out enough power. If it’s AC, you’ve got the wrong type power pack.
I’ll start out by admiting that I know almost nothing about the current status of hi-rail but, if memory serves, the big selling point of post WWII American Flyer was its use of two rail power distribution as opposed to Lionel’s three rail. Might your Lionel engine be searching vainly for that middle electrified rail on two rail American Flyer track?
Jeffrey, you are right. Manual indicates it should be powered by 6-18 volt alternating current. Any suggestions on a suitable transformer.
Larry