Does anyone have anyone know of any good resources for troubleshooting UCS track sections. I have several postwar UCS track sections that don’t seem to have enough “power”. When I use my postwar ZW at full power, I can hear the sections buzz, but there isn’t enough power to uncouple or unload any of my operating cars. So far I have removed them from my layout and have been testing them one at a time with only my ZW hooked up to them.
I also have a brand new UCS track section that I bought last year, and when I hook it up to my ZW, it works just fine (sending milk cans and log flying all over the place). The controllers for my postwar UCS tracks have been rewired, and work fine with my new UCS track section, so I think the problem has to be in the UCS tracks sections themselves. All of the solder joints appear to be fine.
Any ideas? Do postwar UCS track sections wear out? Am I better off just buying new UCS track sections?
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=689
One or more of the connections may be broken/corroded. Check the resistance between the screw terminals and the approprate rail(s). Since neither the magnet nor the control rails work, focus on the power and ground connections. The resistance should be essentially zero (compare with your new UCS section). If not, clean the oxidation off the rail and screw terminal (e.g., with a track eraser) and test again. If the resistance still is high, you’re options are new wiring or a new UCS.
I couldn’t find any rails or magnets on Olsen’s site. Lionel’s site shows replacement control rails but not magnets (even tho’ replacement 6019 magnets are shown).
What’s the best way to clean corrision off? Sandpaper? Any good liquid cleaners that won’t damage the plastic or wiring? Thanks.
You don’t want to use sandpaper, it’ll remove whatever tin plating is left. I usually use a Scotchbright pad wetted with GOOGONE for cleaning stubborn areas or just GOOGONE one a rag. Others use isopropyle alcohol.
For the UCS 16V should be sufficient for operation, check the wires and connections on the underside of the track. Sometimes the wiring underneath is in poor condition.