HI I NEED SOME ADVICE MY LAYOUT IS IN A OUTSIDE BUILDING WITH NO HEAT I LIVE IN NH I HAVE A BROADWAY LIMITED T1 4-8-4 DCC WITH SOUND I STARTED IT UP YESTERDAY BUT IT RAN SLOW I COULD NOT GET ANY SPEED OUT OF IT THEN I COULD NOT GET IT TO RUN THE CAB LIGHT CAME ON AND THE SMOKE CAME OUT . THE BUILDING HAS NO HEAT I HAVE A SPACE HEATER I PUT ON WHEN IAM OUT THERE IS IT THE COLD. I BROUGHT IT IN THE HOUSE AND PUT ON A CLOTH AND NOTICE THE WHEELS WERE DIRTY I THINK SMOKE FLUID GETS ON THE TRACK ALSO I HAVE A INTERMOUNTAIN DIESEL WITH SOUND ON SEPARATE TRACK IT RAN FINE THANK YOU FOR ANY ADVICE WALTER
Yes, it could very well be the smoke from the smoke unit, which dirties your track and wheels. The smoke unit produces an oily film, which bonds grime and dirt to the track, hampering the performance.
It could also be that the grease, which lubricates the gears of your loco, stiffens at low temperature to a degree, where the torque of the motor is not big enough to overcome the extra friction. In any case, you should not leave your locos and rolling stock in a cold and damp environment.
It is most likely dust and smoke fluid residue that you’re seeing on the wheels. I used to use smoke fluid in my steamers back when I was into steam. I quickly learned that it was better to NOT use it.
living in central upstate new York i know what you mean about cold weather. what i might suggest is that if the building is unfinished on the inside is to put 2" of rigid insulation in between the studs. an electric space heater can be dangerous so be carefully with something like that. i will agree that the smoke/grime can be part of the problem as can the cold, insulating can help without add a lot of cost and you get to use bits n pieces on your pike as an added bonus.
I’m also in NH, although my basement is insulated I rarely heat it. I often pull my locomotives upstairs during the winter. It allows me the time to do any required maintenance. I’ve also found that when I do have an operating session the loco’s operate much smoother.
I believe it has all to do with them being kept in a warm environment. The lubricants like the warmth. Think of your car or truck. They will start easier and like you much more for keeping them in a garage during the winter in lieu of keeping them outside.
That reminds me. I better get going on that garage!
Not sure what cold is to you, but if under 32 degrees I take the engines in when I am done freezing my trains off!
Can you leave the space heater on at a low setting?
Cuda Ken
I use to live in Connecticut and know the winters are brutal up there. I would under no circumstances leave my expensive locos in an unheated area, for most of the reasons already given. I was told that leaving one or two 60-100 wat incandescent bulbs burning in an unheated small out building will keep the temp from going below freezing; but I have never tried it. YOu don’t mention how big the building is, but If nothing else invest in a small electric heater that keeps the space warm.
Bob (now in warmer Tennessee)
but I model the NYC!