Standard Gauge Tin Track Problem

usually I pull the track apart in large sections until I narrow down the section with the problem.are you certian the transformer isn't the problem?I've run into that before.

Thanks Dave. I hope not. I am using the Z1000 brick with controller. I could try swapping out  the controller though

Once you have cleared the wiring and transformer from the list of possible culprits, disconnect all track powered accessories, turn the power up part way and run your hands along the rails. A HOT spot is where the short is.

Larry

Trainlover,

While you're checking the track......Recheck the insulators on each and every center rail where it rests on the metal ties. I assume that you are using original Lionel tube track.

All I can say is, "Good Luck!"

"Pappy"

Larry,

That is so obvious that I did not even think of that. I will check 4-5 sections at a time and let you know what happens.

Thanks,

JoeG

Trainlover, you don't say whether your track is new or you have been using it for a few years, so this may or may not apply.  

I have had a lot of problems with MTH/Lionel tubular track having a dead short issue with center rail insulation. The track piece will look fine to visual inspection, but will dead short when power is applied.  After a lot of frustration, I found that the machine that made the track was over-enthusiastic at crimping the tabs down on to the rail, and the tab actually cuts right through the small insulation piece and contacts the rail. You will not be able to see this unless you pry back the tabs and take off the insulation piece.

This problem involves a lot of track, both straight and curved pieces, all "MTH" stamped.  The insulators involved are always the end ties of the piece of track, never middle ties.  Over time I have learned that they look a little different; once you know what to look for, the tabs are crimped further down on the rail so that the tab is almost flat, and the edge of the tab kind of disappears into the fabric of the insulator. 

I fixed a lot of the track when I was building my layout, but over the years more pieces have developed shorts that did not have them before.  More than once I have vowed to tear up the layout and do it over, but now that I know what to look for it's a quick fix to repair it in place, slipping in a new insulation piece.

Don't know if this has anything to do with your set-up, but thought I'd throw it out there for general information.  Th track pieces and insulations look fine when you inspect them, you'd almost have to already know what to look for before you'd find it.

I've found that too, where the paper is worn thru just enough to cause a short.

Well I thought I found the problem, but did not. I have been using the early track by MTH which I have found to be pretty good track. I had recently purchased the newer track which is made out of thinner material from what I have heard.

I took this end of the track off the display and found that what of the newer curves was shorting out, and it was not getting hot or warm. I so I replaced it, and put the section back together and tried it again. Still shorting out.

So I climbed up on top and carefully went to  the back side of the loop. After showing my wife how to reset the brick, and tried taking one section out at a time and got no shorts, so went back to the first section that I had originally taken off.

Yes, another short, and still trying to locate. Thanks for encouragement everyone. I am still on it.

JoeG

GOT IT!!

I kept playing with the insulation on the new pieces and retightened it based on everyone's tips.

Thanks to all and Merry Christmas.

JoeG

glad you figured it out!

Good feeling when you finally find it, ain't it?  It keeps us coming back for more...

This issue that arose this past weekend made me think about going to Gargraves  track for my standard gauge. I know it would not look the same but there would be fewer track hic-ups. I am also not crazy about the additional investment.

Joeg

An alternate source is buying used Lionel prewar Standard gauge track.

Ron M

I wouldn't be sure that would necessarily be the case.