Fast on one side, slow on the other!

SJCOGR Forum Member

Here is your pretty typical conventional issue - the train runs faster on one side of the layout vs. the other side. Sounds pretty common and a few power feeds usually does the trick.

I don't like to run my trains at Mach 2 - I like to actually look at them as they go by. I have a very simply 4x8. Two 0-31 loops and one 0-42 loop. I use MTH Z-1000 transformers for power and Lionel tubular track, two fees on each oval.

I see my Williams and Lionel engines, without cruise control, typically like to run faster on the far side, away from the control panel. Again, I have a feed on each loop on this side. Slower back by the transformers. Adding/subtracting power feeds doesn't make a difference and my table is level and I have confirmed this with a 4 foot spirit level so there is no elevation changes on the track.

Any suggestions? Obviously this is most easily seen at slow speeds (which I like to run). Cranking it up a bit masks it but is still somewhat noticeable.

1/13/162:22 PM

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BigRailOGR Forum Member

My only guess (eliminating levelness and loss of power) is track condition. Is it cleaner on the far side for some reason? That's all I can think of. BigRail

1/13/162:27 PM

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D500OGR Forum Member

With multiple feeds this seems an unlikely answer, but: are your tubular track pins and "holes" rusty or otherwise dirty?

There are spots on my GG layout where, in a rare (for me) conventional operating session some non-cruise locos run slower than on other sections. The Multimeter shows no voltage drop whatsoever. But there it is.

In my typical command (TMCC) mode this is masked by the cruise control, if present, or the constant 18V, I suppose. I think that it's aliens, sucking up our Earth electrons. Just sayin'.

1/13/163:18 PM

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MikenOGR Forum Member

Are your loops symmetrical, or do you have more turn on the transformer side. A turn will induce friction that will slow the train a bit.

1/13/164:19 PM

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SJCOGR Forum Member

All of the track is in similar condition - sectional curves and the solid, long 35" straights on my big loop. My 0-31 loops use sectional track throughout, no long straights due to the size.

All of the ovals are the same - just plain ol' ovals. The inner 0-31 loop does have several switches but regular train running doesn't involve going through the curved portion of the switches.

I took a few pieces of track apart last night, for other reasons, and saw little to no dirt and no rust. Track is roughly a year old.

Strange issue!

1/13/164:28 PM

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