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Getting power to Atlas track

P phillmanOGR Forum Member
Ok, I feel really incompetent right now.

I have a Lionel CW -80 transformer and Atlas O track.

I though I had hooked it up right, but my train won't run.

The transformer has 2 sets of terminals on the back:
1 for 0-18VAC - both a red and black terminal
2 for 12VAC - red and black

I used the 1st set marked 0-18VAC and connected the red terminal to the center rail and the black terminal to the outside rail. In between the transformer and the track, I have the wires going into separate terminal strips.

When I power up the transformer, the engine starts to come alive, but quickly cuts out and the green light on the transformer goes out. When I throttle down, the green light comes back on and I repeat the process.

I have 2 other wires coming out of the black terminal but they are laying on the carpet and not connected to anything. I cannot figure out why my train won't run. Any suggestions?

I know the transformer and train work ( I tested them both on another setup), but not in this configuration.

This is the terminal strip I am using for the wire to the center rail: http://www.allelectronics.com/...-STRIP-20-AMP/1.html

I am using a smaller version for the wire to the outside rail.
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P phillmanOGR Forum Member
I disconnected the section of track that is powered from the rest of the loop and it powered up fine.

Now it leads me to beleive there is a problem in the track. How in the world can I have a problem in the track? I have a loop all the way around the room (about 12 foot square) on a wood shelf. I have 3 Atlas switches with a stub end siding and a passing siding. Only other thing to note is a short uncoupling section of track but there is nothing wired to it.
Rich883Rich883OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
I think you need to start adding sections and trying the power up process to find where you have the issue. You may also want to do a quick visual inspection to see if there is something that may be causing a short somewhere along the track, a screw head, or strand of wire?

If you have a volt ohm meter, you could measure between the center and outside rail to see if there is a short someplace.
markermarkerOGR Forum Member
quote:
I have a problem in the track?

Not that uncommon with Atlas track.

1st you need to check the rail joiners where the power problem is. If the rail joiners don't have two little squares visible you need to replace the rail joiner. (That is mostly an old problem but occasionally old pieces show up. Especially the short uncoupling section.)

2nd you need to check the power at each switch. Atlas switches fail because of the inadequate wiring used, but if you make sure there is power coming into the switch from all three routes, that should cure the problem.

check this thread out

There is another thread somewhere that a search should be able to find. It has very detailed instructions on rewiring the switches.
LD Larry D.OGR Forum Member
It certainly sounds like you have an electrical short somewhere. If the engine runs OK on a separate section of track, I'd isolate what portion of the layout has the issue by removing the three turnouts (as they are the most likely area to develope an issue electrically). See if the engine runs once the turnouts are disconnected and then re-insatll one at a time to evaluate. This assumes the engine runs once the three turnouts are disconnected.
Larry D.
P phillmanOGR Forum Member
I removed the newly bought switch and replaced it with a normal curve section and the engine runs fine all the way around the loop now.

Next step is to wire a short section of track with the switch in it to see if I definitely have a problem with the switch. May not get to that tonight.

If I have a problem with the switch, then I will have a conundrum with ebay as this is where I bought the switch. Frown
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