Train operating on track

What kind of track and engine do you have?

John

@Doni posted:

Hi my train only runs good in one derection on the track the train will only run good in reverse detection on  the track the train goes all  around the track in reverse detection   when I try to go forward around the track in the forward deduction it won't the train will.start going forward.tben will stop and stall or if I try to put the train on the track  in  opposite direction.on the track the try and run the train I'm  reverse or forward  detection he train will.start going then will stall what em I doing wrong

Hi,

To start I would have a look at brushes and springs to see if one is partially stuck in a tube and another favourite will be to look at the reverse unit fingers, sounds like one may be a bit light on making contact

A useful thing here would be to tell us exactly what make and model of locomotive you have.  There are a number of causes for this behavior, and it will depend on exactly what locomotive you have.

Doni,

As a couple guys have said, please describe your train and the track. If you know, also tell us the brand name or manufacturer.

Ray

Are you using AC or DC?

These guys can help you...if you help them. Details, man, details!

Mark in Oregon

I'm pretty sure im us DC power pack how can you tell on power if the power pack is   AC or DC

Look at the label, it will tell you.

I don't know how to tell if the A.F is AC or DC power it's a 1957 AF locomotive now why does it only run One direction around track if I try  another direction it won't if I try to go forward it won't it only runs  reverse all the   way around the track and runs really good but turn the train around to go the other way it won't pretty sure the trains run on a DC power

All Gilbert engines beginning in 1951 had universal motors. These will run on either AC or DC power. If the power pack is DC the minimum rating must be at least 35VA. It sounds like a combination of several things. One, the track likely needs to be cleaned along with all power pickup wheels. Second, it sounds like the reverse unit needs to be cleaned or repaired. Third, if this is a steam engine the brushes may need to be replaced and the commutator cleaned, but do item #1 first. Finally, if it is a diesel we need to know which one. Potential problems with the Gilbert diesels are more involved than the simpler items above.

The number on the engine cab would be helpful...I run my Flyer locos on DC without issue...but in one direction only. 🙂

Mark in Oregon

@Doni posted:

I don't know how to tell if the A.F is AC or DC power it's a 1957 AF locomotive now why does it only run One direction around track if I try  another direction it won't if I try to go forward it won't it only runs  reverse all the   way around the track and runs really good but turn the train around to go the other way it won't pretty sure the trains run on a DC power

Perhaps the reverse unit is locked into reverse only. Just move the lever to the other side and see what happens.

I’m voting for AmFlyer’s tip #2: might consider removing the four screws holding the tender body in place. Then with a toothpick, hold the reverse unit fingers in place. Sometimes the fingers wear holes … with a little dirt on the reverse cylinder, it won’t go. A drop of solder in the  finger’s dip will cure this, per Tom Barker’s excellent book.

@Mick Hinkle posted:

I’m voting for AmFlyer’s tip #2: might consider removing the four screws holding the tender body in place.

That's assuming this is a steam engine. We still don't know for sure... 🤔

Mark in Oregon

Doni,

Hi, you have us all curious, and we would love to get your train going in both directions.

Is your locomotive Diesel or Steam.  Is there a number on the shell?  Also can you tell us the numbers on your Transformer?

Aflyer

@Überstationmeister posted:

See here and here. It is a Gilbert AF diesel in the GM demonstrator scheme, probably a 370 or 371.

Sorry I hadn't seen the multiple posts.

Thanks for updating me.

Aflyer

The ends and number boards are not visible but based on the red weight it is likely a 370.