Super Sensitive E-Unit on 249E

Watch the headlight carefully, I bet you'll see it flash as the engine goes over the switch.

Does it happen on all switches, or only certain ones?

The only thing I can suggest is making certain the track and rollers are clean.

There is also a small possibility that its a "ground" problem. So, include the outside rails, and drive wheels of the loco. This is more common if you are using non-derailing switches.

Thanks for the quick reply!  They are all anti-derailing switches and taking your suggestion I've removed, cleaned and reinstalled the pilot & trailing wheels...we'll see if that helps!  (I just need to find some switches now...don't have any on my home layout...)

Thanks again!

S/F Mike

Don't forget the drive wheels themselves.

Agreed, watch the headlight. That would give you an indication that you are momentarily losing power or ground. Sometimes the bumpiness of the Lionel switches cause the locomotive to lose either power or ground momentarily as it rattles through the turnout with the e-unit on, thereby tripping it to neutral.  Does speeding through the switch stop this tripping of the e-unit occasionally? That would indicate that the loco sped through the switch faster than the e-unit could trip. It happens often on light, shorter wheelbase locomotives. Adding a collector roller to the tender may help. Worth a try.

Link to similar recent topic:

https://ogrforum.com/t...51#42680069663906051

FWIW..The best answer/solution yet. IMHO

Thanks all for the ideas!  The "Easy Button" is turn the e-unit off since my friend runs this engine fwd all the time but I would like it to work correctly for him.  I think I've done all I can to the engine.  We'll test it and I'll look at the various track ideas next time I'm at his house.  

Thanks again!

S/F Mike

Mike,

    What kind switches are you trying to run over/thru with your 249E?  Some Switches will not accommodate Tin Plate Engines at all, without an additional contact roller.  Are you running Atlas or GarGraves Switches.

PCRR/Dave