ES44AC posted:Hi everyone, thanks for your input. I'm running conventional with a mixture of everything from MTH PS3 to postwar Lionel all powered by an MTH Z-1000. I've had Fastrack for a few years now and have had minor issues with power dropping out. The engine in question, an MTH Premier ES44 operates fine on the other tracks on the layout, so it is not the engine. The track connections all look good and the wires are still in place. Since the track died as soon as I placed the engine on the track I am led to believe it is not anything with the wiring. I do have a voltage meter, and as expected it comes up at 0 on all spots of the track. I'm stumped! I'm going to try giving the track a good cleaning, as much of it hasn't been used since last year Christmas display. Also, the Z-1000 breaker never tripped, so it's not recognizing the issue as a short.
I have seen the joints of these types of track just wear out from excessive use of being taken apart repeatedly (or even stepped on). It was with Real Traxx But I'd guess from reading other's posts that it still applies to Fast Track. Some post of squeezing the ends to restore conductivity. If the track is going back down, you could solder on wires, and join with wire nuts, for better reliable conductivity?
I would not rely on the breaker of the MTH pack to protect much. I would still install an inline fuse for protection. Replacing a fuse does get tiresome but that's much easier and cheaper than wrecking equipment. I suspect that there was no reason for the breaker to trip in this instance. Like you stated, it's not a short, it's lack of conductivity.
