I started setting up a train a few days ago and have been unable to get it running. I setup a simple track, 8 curved and 8 straight pieces. The train system is a 027 guage. The very first time I set it up, without reading the instructions, I know I did it wrongly: I attalhed the lockon to the two outer rails, using the inner lip and terminals as clips. After reading the instructions and realizing the correct way, I still cant get it to go. I thought at that point that I may have froed the transformer. However, I grabbed my tester, tested across the terminals, unattached to the line, and got 3 - 4 volts. I then tested each track piece and got reading. I hooked the oval up without trains and got reading. As soon as I put the locomotive on the track, though, that is where I get no reading. Any help would be appreciated.
o-27 gauge is three rail. That means you need one wire from the power pack TO the middle rail and usually the outer rail.
Your clip should only hold the two wires and make contact with the MIDDLE RAIL and EITHER of the outside rails… your choice.
Im assuming (Make an a… ) that you have a standard track power clip that snaps onto the middle rail and the outer rail. A proper install of this clip will have it hanging out to the outside of the railroad with room to hang the wires from power pack into the clips.
I have not touched my 027 power in 20+ years but I think you are dealing with a power pack that has two ternimals for two kinds of power. A pair should be marked TRACK POWER and another pair should be for accessories.
I cannot remember if it is DC or AC recitified that drives the 027 train so I will stop here.
I will tell you that a few moments of improper electricty will probably burn the motor out.
Track configuration should not matter with three rail, I believe the middle rail is common for all including reverse loops and such.
On O/O27 the middle rail is hot (+) and the outer rails are ground (-). The power pack should be connected through the lock-on clip so that power gets to one outside rail and the middle rail. It’s been my experience (I got my last O guage set in 1965) that O guage trains run on AC current. If you’re trying to use a DC power pack you’ll get nothing. If you’re using an AC pack check to make sure that it’s connected properly. Check to see if there may be something caught in the locos gears that won’t allow them to move. My nephew had a Lionel loco that had some carpet threads wound around a gear. Also try turning up the amount of power to the track by advancing the power packs throttle. If the locos motor is working you should hear a hum as it gets more power. If you hear nothing then there may be a loose wire in the loco or the motor may be bad.
I am pretty sure at this point, based on tests described in the initial post, that there is something wrong with the loco. Maybe a burnt motor as one responder put it. Which leads to my next question: what do I do if the motor is burnt?
By the way, the gears and wheels turn freely
Why, then you replace it of course or find someone who can do it for you. This first involves locating another motor. It may be easier to find a whole new chassis. Go onto the Classic Trains forum and see if anyone there knows where you can find one.
O-27 is probably AC voltage.
The level should be a lot more than 4 volts AC with the throttle up. Attach the meter then gradually increase the throttle. AC Voltage reading should increase form zero to above 12. If the voltage does not increase then you are either on the wrong terminals or you fried the power pack - likely the rheostat wiper terminal - with the short. A friend several years ago accidentially connected 120 volts line voltage back into the track feed on his Lionel transformer. Believe it or not I was able to repair it. The wiper was lightly welded to the windings and the bulb was burned out.
Your information indicates a high impedance source to me, not a burned out locomotive. You can also test with a 12volt light bulb from center rail to either side. It should increase in brightness as throttle is turned up.
I don’t recall the terminals to use but Lionel labeled its terminals and the back of the transformer. One would be C for common and the other perhaps Q?
Good luck,
Karl