Train Intermittently Stops on Track

Nash, make sure your wheels and rollers are super ckeaned. Try replacing the track were your train is stopping.

Jim,

Thanks for the information. I will clean all the contacts and replace those track sections and see if it makes a difference. It is the only train I have that does this, which I think is odd.

Thanks.

Sometimes a wire will not conduct electricity, and you don't know until an issue like this pops up. That makes the engine picky about running around the layout.

Cleaning can fix it if that's the issue. Lubrication can also help.

I would test the engine on it's side for power pickup at the proper points, if the issue remains.

You said you are using super O track.  Check the center rail connectors as well as your ground rail track pins.  This loco may be heavier than what you are running and is enough to move things ever so slightly out of alignment.   

If you have a lamp post or spare bulb use this to check current around the layout.  Make sure you test each section individually.   If the lamp lights at least you know you have power. 

FWIW I had an older williams F3, simple,  no reverse unit, that just refused to run on super o track.  Never could figure it out, my fix was to sell the loco.

Joe,

Thanks for the information. I will check on the engine’s side as well.

Necrails,

I will have to try the lamp trick to check the power to the track. I will also check the ground pins to make sure there is no corrosion or anything keeping electricity from passing through. I’ve been thinking about that same solution, selling the engine!

Thanks.

You may want to inspect the pickup rollers as well. I understand Super O track had a bad reputation for wearing a groove in pickup rollers, rendering contact intermittent at times. Dunno why just one loco would be affected, but easy enough to check, and if so, it should be obvious. Also dunno what the best solution would be, though replacing the roller and/or the track come to mind!

Steve,

Thanks for the information, I’ll double-check the pickup rollers, but this was nearly a brand new engine and I have only been running this for a short period of time on my layout.

Thanks.

You didn't model too many flag stops and passengers are signalling did you?

Merry Christmas!

@CALNNC posted:

You didn't model too many flag stops and passengers are signalling did you?

Merry Christmas!

CALNNC, A lot of people are wanting to get on the train these days!!! I'll have to make sure there's no hobos trying to get on!