The faux third rail shoes create can problems at switches and crossovers. Remove them and see if it resolves the problem.

Will do.

I wonder why it does it on one switch and not the other?

Still, kind of silly Lionel makes Locos that don't work properly with their own Fastrack switces!

I have had issues where larger 4-8-4 engines rated for 054 curves will short out on smaller Fastrack switches due to the 'underhang" of the drivers contacting the large center rail plate of certain switches. Not all, just one or two. Can happen.

 

Rod

This is on the straight portion.

What I think ti might be is that the fake 3rd rail piece on the loco needs to be adjusted...but that doesnot explain why its only this switch having the issue.

There is a slight grade and that might be effecting it too.

I an going to adjust the pieces on the loco first, and if that fails then remove the switch and flatten the grade and see what happens.

Well, uh, have you actually spotted the place where the sparks are appearing? That

is, the place on the loco that is touching the track? Until you do that...

 

I have the loco, myself (it's NYC, after all), and it is very sure-footed - but I don't have

Fastrack.

It was the 3rd rail piece...nice quality control Lionel, I guess you guys do not test your trains like in the old days.

I just removed them, no sense risking damage to the track or worse due to Lionel Chinese quality control.

I really think you should just stop buying Lionel.  You seem to have issues with every piece you buy.

That's not fair. Quality control is an issue. I've had issues, parts falling off, pinched wires, etc. Lionel knows it. Anybody who buys anything knows it.

HOWEVER, it also is not fair to throw Lionel under the bus. They get it and they fix it in my experience. Just send it back, let them fix it, or..fix it your self like many of us do. Thanks for toy train manufacturers who could probably make a better return on their money with short term treasury bills.

My solution"""""" Remove loco from track, wipe track for about 10', look at rollers, if loose tighten, be sure all rollers turn, I have seen frozen rollers do this, be sure trucks swivel, if all else fails, CALL LIONEL, they may want it returned.

 

 

ThEY have always answered me.

 

Good luck./

 

Rod

Oh really?

Let's see how accurate you are-troll.....

 

1) Pennsy Neil Young Signature: Runs wonderful, just need to troubleshoot smoke unit.

2) NYC S-1: Had to remove 3rd rail pieces (known issue), as they rub against Lionel Fastrack switches.

3) PWC Texas Special: Pullmor motors run just like Pullmor motors should in conventional mode. In TMCC mode do not run as good as can motors (known issue).

4) 2343: Runs great

5) 2353: Runs great

6) 212/213: Runs great

 

There ya go troll. Now go troll somewhere else.

Yep, worked like a charm.

Chipset, see if that one switch is hiked up enough to just hit the 3rd rail....that's too nice an engine to not have those unless it was totally needed to be. Try a 2' level on that area to see if it rocks or moves any over the bad switch area...that or see if those 3rd rails can be moved upwards more- I don't know how they mount on.

One of the interesting facets of this forum is the input from our members as "how to.."

fix a problematic piece. And rather than send that item back many times our Forumnite

adaptability will conquer the most of the issues submitted.

 

Lionel Train company has a very good staff of folks who really want their customers

satisfied, not the opposite. We need to be thankful for a company who seems to 

inventive and helps The World's Greatest Hobby be just that.

 

these are after all......Toys.

 

 

Lionel can not fix bad track work or wiring.

Or mis-printed box labels.

It is a beautiful model, and I really want those pieces back on.

I will put a leveler on the switch, make any needed adjustments and see if that fixes the issue.