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I have large layout, all Atlas track and switches, with MTH trains DCS and Z-4000 power . I also have a lot of power issues, train runs fine, then shuts off, remote claims, train, not on track. Manually push train forward train turns on, turn train off and restart train, attempt to move train train will move forward a tiny bit and then shuts down again. This only happens in some sections of layout. It's obviously a problem with power connection at the rail joiners, I believe. Should I just solder all the rails?
Soldering. All the rails together seems like a solution, but it seems to be overkill. I can do that. The layout is an overhead layout and will not be taking apart. The layout has been up for a few years now. I'm thinking that oxidation may be affecting the joints.

Any suggestions?

 

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How many drops is the first question, and that has been asked already.  It is an overhead layout.  Do you clean the track and have you checked your track to track connections.  Things move.  I'm thinking you've done those two, assuming you have a ladder or a high stool to stand on ( you can sit on it again after you figure this out - I've always been partial to high stools ).  Put drops in your problem areas first. If you are going to solder the rails, just do it where it is causing the problem.  The power source has been covered as well.  Just a random thought, can anything underneath cause problems with signal strength, like the Lionel issue that requires a ground wire from tracks overhead?  Not a DCS guy, but thought I would throw that in.

Last edited by William 1

How many drops is the first question, and that has been asked already.  It is an overhead layout.  Do you clean the track and have you checked your track to track connections.  Things move.  I'm thinking you've done those two, assuming you have a ladder or a high stool to stand on ( you can sit on it again after you figure this out - I've always been partial to high stools ).  If you are going to solder the rails, just do it where it is causing the problem.  The power source has been covered as well.  Just a random thought, can anything underneath cause problems with signal strength, like the Lionel issue that requires a ground wire from tracks overhead?  Like does it stop over the washer and dryer?  Not a DCS guy, but thought I would throw that in.

I have five connections, they are about 25 to 30 feet apart. The main tower comes out of the DCS to a block, and then I branch off the power individually. From there.

Yes, it is an overhead layout .

The layout goes through my entire house is almost 3 miles  to scale of track .

When it was new . I didn't have these problems but now that  the layout has been installed. It's been  three years, sometimes  may not be run for maybe a month . That's where the problems come seems like  I always have to tinker with it get it to run  again properly  and the problem seems to be getting  more consuming .so I was thinking oxidation  may be occurring at the joints.  So if that is what's occurring  soldering seems like the next step , but I didn't want to do that  because that seems to permanent  and a problem if I'd like to make changes in the future .

WalkSoft posted:

I have five connections, they are about 25 to 30 feet apart. The main tower comes out of the DCS to a block, and then I branch off the power individually. From there.

Yes, it is an overhead layout .

The layout goes through my entire house is almost 3 miles  to scale of track .

When it was new . I didn't have these problems but now that  the layout has been installed. It's been  three years, sometimes  may not be run for maybe a month . That's where the problems come seems like  I always have to tinker with it get it to run  again properly  and the problem seems to be getting  more consuming .so I was thinking oxidation  may be occurring at the joints.  So if that is what's occurring  soldering seems like the next step , but I didn't want to do that  because that seems to permanent  and a problem if I'd like to make changes in the future .

not enough drops for that length of track.  even soldering the track connectors will not give you the results you are seeking.

Take a lighted car and push it slowly over the track in question.  If the light goes out while the power rollers are all on one section of track and the light is out over the whole section of track, then that section of track is unpowered.  You can find out which connection is unpowered  by placing a jumper wire across each track connection until the light in the car comes on again.

If the light flickers on the track, then you either have dirty track, dirty wheels or rollers, or an intermittent electrical connection to the track.

If the problem is only with one particular engine, there may be an issue with that engine; dirty rollers, wheels or other issue.

Good luck with your troubleshooting.

Earl

Last edited by EIS

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