Just purchased my first Legacy loco. and am slowly learning how to operate. I have a Cab 1l / Base 1l command set and a Legacy Power Master that allows me to run all of my locomotives in either Conv. or Command mode. The problem I am currently trying to solve is my Legacy loco. is stalling on switches at lower speeds. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm in Conv. or Command. The problem seems to be more prevalent with my older Lionel 022 switches.
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just a though, sounds like maybe the pickup rollers on the engine are spaced just right to not have any electrical contact?
I have owned 8 legacy engines (not that many really just adding perspective to my response), never had that problem. I use fastrack switches O36.
People would likely want to know which loco you are having the problems with.
Sometimes it's a ground problem caused by a traction tire. I've had succes by switching the axle with the tire with the axle without the tire. If the wheelset with the traction tire is to the rear of the truck simply switch it with the non tire wheelset at the front of the truck and vise versa.
Rod Miller
I have had similar problems with two Hudson J3a (4-6-4) and my SP Lines GS4 and UP FEF-3 (4-8-4). I finally wired power to the center of my Atlas O Double Slip Switches. The Lionel switch should have power. I had to remove several Atlas Uncoupling tracks in my curved yard exit because the placement created unpowered spots that were interrupting power in the center rail.
Clean the track. Do an electrical tape test: placing a piece of electrical tape on the center rail and run your train slowly over the tape to see if any rollers might not be picking up power. This problem drove me "nuts". I still drool on occasions and find myself holding my breath when the engines go over that spot.
Hadn't thought about it, but the loco type could have a bearing on what the problem might be. Thanks ! It is a Lionel #6-38441 Diesel.
I have the same engine in a different road name. I haven't seen any issues with this one on Atlas or Fastrack switches. It has four pickup rollers, that normally solves most of these issues. As others have said, it's probably going to be the outside rails, you only have two wheels in contact on each side with the traction tires on the other two. If one side is a dead rail, you half half the contact.
I have 2 Legacy EM-1's purchased months apart. My first one constantly stalled on Atlas switches. I tried making all kind of adjustments to the switches with little success. Except for that, I loved the engine and bought a second one, used, at an excellent price. It had no problems, forward or backwards crawling or fast. Someone here suggested to check and see if the rollers were loose. They were! I made sure the rollers were in proper alignment and tightened the screws. Problem solved!!!
How simple.
John mentioned using electrical tape on the center rail to determine if the rollers are picking up power. Not sure how this works ! PLEASE ELABORATE ! Thanks.
Stick a three inch piece of tape on the center track on a straight section. Slowly run the engine across it, if it drops dead at some point, one of the rollers is likely not connected, that would be the one not on the tape.
Bill Kemper,
Both Gus and RoMiller give good advise here, 1st get rid of your traction tires and try running your engine thru your 022 switches, usually the engine will then pass right thru the switches, if by some chance the problem still exits do the test Guns has described, and work from there.
PCRR/Dave