Lionel 71-2054-250 FasTrack operating track section uncoupling magnet activates when some cars cross

Yes, I’ve had this happen but with freight cars. I had another operating section, swapped them and the second one functioned properly. Regarding the one not working properly: I disassembled both the track section and controller and could find nothing obviously wrong, I.e., shorted wires contacts touching, etc.

Steve

I tried another operating track section which I had also wired for accessory power and it behaved exactly the same. I think it is a design defect. I moved it (and my milk car unloading platform) to a siding where cars are parked and do not roll across the section.

I have had this happen, but it wasn't the track.  On some center rail power pickups there can be side play.  On the operating track, there are 5 rails.   If you short the center rail to one of these rails, one that is also connected to the coil magnet, it can energize the magnet.   I had a couple of older Madison cars that kept uncoupling.  Ones with coil couplers.   The center pickup for the lights  tilted sideways so much it shorted and energized the 5th rail and the pickup shoe on the truck and it uncoupled.   I had to work on the center pickups.  Replace the tension springs that were old and weak and a little work to minimize the side slop.  Now they run just fine.   

Val,

I am just about to install this track, never had it before.  I'm happy to read your suggestion now.  It will undoubtedly save me a bunch of time in the near future.

Val, I think you are right. It is only some cars that trigger the magnet. They are 18" Santa Fe passenger cars from a Ready-to-run set.