I just finished laying the track on my new layout. First time using Atlas track. When I ran a test engine I got sparks on the 3rd, center, rail.
The layout is 24 feet long. I have it separated into 4 sections using Atlas Plastic rail joiners. I then connected power to each of the 4 sections. (Power on the center rail and signal on the outside rail)
I tried removing power to 3 sections and ran the engine on the section with power...still sparks?
Help!
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Sounds like dirty track, to me.
@Hot Water posted:Sounds like dirty track, to me.
Yeah, and after a good cleaning, wipe a thin coat of No-OX on the top of the rails -- it tends to reduce oxidation and resultant sparking.
https://ogrforum.com/...8#184156761862749158
Thanks,
I think that's it, about half the track I used on the layout I purchased on eBay.
In the past have always used brand new track. They were sold as like new....but yes were dirty.
Some of it had lots of black coming off...I think I about have it cleaned...very few sparks now after the second time over it.
Greg, I think you’re headed the right direction to fix your issue. Make sure you also put a quick clean on the pickup rollers of your test engine once you get the track all tidied up. They were picking up oxide/grime as they were sparking.
Once you clean the center rail pick-ups and rollers, try lubricating the rollers with Bachman EZ Lube - it's a conductive lubricant.
Thanks,
I have never used lube on the pickups and rollers. Will give it a try.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
