I have an Atlas O SF RSD15 engine that dies on any switch. Apparently the front pic-up somehow does not transmit power to the motors since when the rear pick-up reaches the "dead" spot on the switch and the engine stops. I wired the rear and front pick-ups to each other just in case one isn't transmitting, bit still the stall. I'm baffled.Can anyone unbaffle me?
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If you are sure it is not the pickups, I'd look at a loss of your common because of an insulated rail and/or rubber tires.
Just to be sure there is no issue with the front pickup place an insulator (plastic sheet etc) under the rear truck, start up the engine and see if turns on.
Let us know what goes.
Joe
On several engines with a ground problem with tires over switches I was able to switch the rubber tired axle with wheels with the axle in front changing the spacing on the tired wheels. Worked.
If you have some test leads- put the engine on your bench and connect power to one pickup and test. Repeat on the other pickup. Check for loose connections on the boards.
I had this problem and found that the switch was screwed down too tight, thereby distorting its integrity by just enough to stall an engine in the middle of the switch. I loosened up the screws on that switch and the engine ran right through. Check this on your switch. I've read that some folks don't screw their switches down at all and they operate just fine.
Patrick makes a valid point about "too tight" when screwing-down track or a switch. For efficiency, many hobbyists use a power screwdriver to quickly and effortlessly install track screws. That tool can easily apply too many turns of a screw. Solution -- use the tool to set a screw in place, but gently hand-turn the screw home.
I'm one of those who doesn't screw down switches - in order to avoid binding the moving swivel rail of the switch. I'll place screws in the track leading to a switch, but STOP at five inches away.
Mike (ritrainguy)
Well, thanks for all the technical advice. I followed procedures recommended above and discovered the problem. The wire feeding from the front pick-up was compromised just above the attachment to the pick-up screw( hidden by insulation). Replaced the wire connection and all is in working order. Now I can run one of my all time favorites - the SF "alligator" RSD15 by Atlas O - black and silver with its menacing look that I love.
Thanks again for the advice. This forum rocks!
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