I am working on a modestly sized layout in my basement. It is a about a 10 x 20 Fastrack layout with about 10 switches and 90 crossover. This week I began wiring the layout. I am using a PWC ZW and Legacy. The ZW is always set to full speed and I make sure that Legacy track power is turned all the way up. The switches are getting direct power and I am using SC-2’s to throw them. For track power, I have power running to a barrier strip then power is supplied to various sections of the layout to make sure enough power gets to each part of the layout. They are about 3 to 4 feet apart. In one section, however, I am having some trouble. My engines slow down or stop all together at low speeds when it reaches this section. The section includes 4 O36 curves with a 5 inch half track and 1 3/4 track in the middle. The tracks into this curve are the 30’ inch straight sections of Fastrack. I have connected direct power on each 30’ inch section and on 2 curves for a total of 4 power connections within about 6 feet of track or so. The engines still slow down. I also replaced all tracks with no success. I have checked all my connections about a 1000 times and checked each power connection independently by unhooking each track that is getting power and placing a caboose on the track to see if it lights up. I ran a separate ground wire about 30 feet long and touch the outside rail. Every time the caboose lights up perfectly. When I hook everything back up though, the same problem happens and the engine slows down.
Does anyone have any suggesstions to solve this small yet frustrating problem?
Try looking at the sections of track again for loose fit or dirty connections to include track pins, recheck the wiring. I just bought some Fastrac at Target and the top of the track was dirty, brand new out of the box it was dirty.
Do you have a multimeter? If so, try checking the voltage levels in the track sections you are having problems with. First test across the rails in the problem section (aka set meter to AC volts and a range appropriate for reading 18-20 volts). Note the voltage you are getting. Do same test on a section that has no problems and note the levels. Try to find the boundaries where the drop starts/stops. Now try getting a reading from the center rail inside the problem area to an outside rail outside the problem area. Note the values and then switch to outside rail inside the problem area to a center rail outside the problem area. Again note the voltages. This should help indentify whether the issue is with center/power rail or a problem with the return rails. You should now be able to concentrate on which track sections/power feeds/terminal blocks are giving you trouble.
Thanks for all the suggestions! I do not have a multimeter but I would think I could get one at Radio Shack. Let me know if you think I can? I think I remember seeing an article on them in a recent CTT. I will also check the track for any dirt or grime. THANKS!!
One last idea is to use feed wire greater than 16 gage. The track is equivalent to 16 gage so you need less resistance and less voltage drop. A larger gage wire will supply it.
Just a thought: What locomotive are you using? If you have a scale locomotive, or larger style that would require a wider turn, it could be binding on the tracks. Check by rolling the piece through the curve by hand. Without power, see if you feel any binding. Sometimes, even though a locomotive is rated for narrow curves, like O36, they do much better on wider curves.
If that does not work, do the voltmeter test as described above. You can get a voltmeter at Radio Shack, Sears, or any of the building supply/electrical stores.
Right now I am using a Rock Island GP-7 1266 with TMCC. It was released a few years ago and is not the newer one. I have also used an MPC Virginian Rectifier and a late 90’s Chessie GP-38 with the same results. I would not run anything that would not run on O36.
Eighteen or 20 AWG is so small that it is pretty much useless to solve a voltage-drop problem. I recommend 14 AWG as a minimum. You can get 14, 12, and 10 in a variety of colors, solid or stranded, at most home-improvement stores. You can also use non-metallic-sheathed cable.
Just testing the track with a voltmeter and no load will not tell you anything about your voltage drop. It occurs only when the train is there and drawing current. Unfortunately, it’s hard to put the voltmeter probes onto the rails when the train is running past.
Don’t discount the mechanical effect of curves’ slowing down the train. Just because the train is built to get around those curves doesn’t mean that it runs as easily there as on the tangent track.
Well I would gather that’s my problem. I just checked the packaging and looks like I bought 22 gauge. Here I am trying to build a layout and I make a simple wiring mistake! I did buy a multimeter. The AC reading I am getting back is around a 12.5 to 13. Is this high or low or where I need to be? Looks like I am going to have to do a little rewiring. This will be worth it however so my trains can run correctly.
Thanks for all your help and I will keep you guys posted on the layout!
The important thing is how the voltage at the track compares to the voltage at the transformer. But, as I said, that comparison won’t tell you anything unless you make the measurements with the train running and drawing current at the location in question on the layout. Unless your track joints are truly pathological, you will measure the same voltage in both places without an electrical load, like a train, on the track. If your track joints are truly pathological, on the other hand, the trains wouldn’t be moving at all.
I think 12ga. wire is overkill, but to each his own. I have a 27 year old layout with 16/18 gage wire and have never had a problem. Again though, your choice.
Well I ventured over to my local Home Depot and found a 500ft spool of 14 gauge wire for $30 bucks. I thought it was a great deal. I have rewired the layout and have had success to get my engine to run all through my pike with no interuptions.The wire did the trick! My draw directly at the transformer is around 12.5 and everywhere on the layout at 12.5. My layout must be a 12.5!
I appreciate all the help to get this problem solved!!!