Train not running, HELP!!!!

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I have two different engines and neither seem to be getting power. Neither light comes on and neither one moves. There is power to the controller and the simulated noises that come with the controller are working. The train set usualy sets unused for a month or so. I tried cleaning the track and wheels with track cleaner and a Qtip and it still does not work. Is there any way to use a mulitmeter to see if there is power getting to the track or to check continuity? Any ideas would greatly be apptreciated as I’m kinda under a lot of pressure from the boss (4YO daughter) to get this thing running. The people in the town need milk and coal and the train won’t budge.

Thanks, Nate

2

What locomotives, what transformer?

3

Controller is a Sound & Power & Light 9001. One loco is an old steam type and the other is a deisel that came with a dummy one that looks just like it but does not run. Neither headlights are coming one and it just seems no power is getting to either train. I guess you can tell I’m kinda new to the whole train thing here. My daughter and I are having a blast working on the set, we just need to get it running again.

4

What type of track are you using? Is your transformer connected to the track properly? i.e. Lock-on for tubular, or terminal on the Fastrack.

5

Take any car or accesory with a light in it and take the power wires from the track and hook them to it.The light should come on.Touch one wire to the center pick-up and one to the wheel of the car or just touch the two wires on the transformer to the two wires on the accesory.I always keep a light and pigtail around just to use as a test light.This will tell you if the problem is i n the track or the transformer.If the light does not come on check to see if the transformer has a reset or circuit breaker.

Ed

6

What brand are these? Two rail or three? There should be a manufacturers mark somewhere on them. I did a Google on the transformer and only found bathroom ceiling fans.

Jon [8D]

7

Kooljock,

My search yielded a reference to MRC about which I know very little, but I think the “9001” may be a controller for 2 rail direct-current trains in N and HO gauges.

8

I think you’re right, bf. I found a price list that included:

MRC 9000 POWER COMMAND 9000 (19VA) 67.50
MRC 9001 SOUND, POWER & LIGHT 9000 135.00

So the 9001 seems to have been a 9000 with sound, power, and light. The 9000 and 9500 have the same manual, which describes them as DC controllers.

9

The majority of the track is flexi track but the wires are connected to an old Atlas piece from an older set. I tried touching the wires directly to the train and it took off like a banshee. It seems there is a bad connection in the older connection track which needs to be addressed. Anyway now that I know what the problem is, fixing it will be a cinch. Thanks for all the help guys.