I have Atlas 3 rail track and I have a same problem at 3 locations. Problem - The center rail pits after running the trains and the engine losses power going over the pitted track. I then lightly sand the track removing the pit and wipe clean with alcohol getting a smooth clean finish. Start running the trains and the problem returns. Any ideas. Thanks Mike
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Try NO-OX-ID. Put some on your finger and rub it onto the rails then take a rag and wipe it off. It aids in conductivity. Sparks are causing your issue. Also, don't clean the track with alcohol. Use mineral spirits. If you want to know more, look up polar solvent cleaners.
After cleaning the track clean your pick up rollers. If theyre gunked up theyll only transfer the crud back to the clean track. Hope youre running smoothly again soon!
The track is pitting because of electrical arcing. The locomotive roller is completing a circuit and a lot of current is being drawn. If you run your train in the dark you might see a flash or a spark at the problem location.
If you are crossing over to an insulated block that's powered from a different transformer, that's not an optimal wiring scheme, and it will be difficult to prevent the problem from recurring. Each side of the insulating pin should be fed through a double-pole, double-throw switch (i.e., Atlas power selector) so that the loco stays on the same transformer even when it gets into the new section.
For any other scenario, connecting a power jumper feed to the center rail of the problem section will probably solve the issue for good.
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