I have track on my first N scale layout, which is a table-top variety with a simple loop. When I power up my locomotive it runs rough for about five minutes and then stops. If I put it away for a while and try again the same thing happens. My transformer does have a circuit breaker and perhaps I am tripping this. If so, what could be the problem? What other problems could be associated with this erratic performance? Any answers would be appreciated.
When it DOES run, does it run smoothly or jerkily? When it stops, try checking the voltage output of your power pack. If you don’t have a multi-meter, just use a 12v bolt and touch one wire to each lug on your power pack. If the light lights (brightly), turn the throttle up and try touching the leads of your light to the rails. If your light doesn’t light, it’s your power pack. You may want to wire an ammeter into your circuit to check the current draw of your locomotive. You may have to upgrade to a more powerful unit.
Erratic operation is a sign of dirty wheels and/or dirty track. Clean both with a metal polish and see if that doesn’t improve the running qualities of the locomotive. Erratic operation can also cause the power pack to overheat and shut down because of power surges caused by the locomotive’s intermittent demands for power, especially if it’s a power pack that came in a set of some type. A better quality power pack wouldn’t hurt your situation any.
A single N-gauge locomotive shouldn’t trip even the lightest-duty power pack. Given that it runs for 5 minutes, I would suspect overheating. This is most likely due to poor lubrication. Go get some Labelle oil, which is made for these small electric motors, and put a very small drop on any friction points and motor bearings. Wipe off any excess. Labelle also makes a light grease, which you can put into the gear boxes.
If the circuit breaker is tripping out, it could still be the locomotive. In fact, if your lubrication is bad enough, the motor will sieze, and the locomotive will draw its maximum “stall” current. This may be enough to trip a breaker.
Thanks for the good advice everyone. I will give the cleaning and lubrication a try.