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3 replies

Trouble with Tracks

S splashmikeOGR Forum Member

My apoligies for posting this again, but my original post appears to be locked so I cannot continue the thread.

 

Originally, I asked for help to resolve an issue I was having with MTH Real Trax. There are two places (0-31 MTH Real Trax curves) where I get a sizzling sound and some sparks when my engine passes over. I tried a second engine on the tracks and have the same issue. I received some good suggestions including cleaning the tracks, checking the connectors and ultimately replacing the sections with new tracks -- all of which I have done. Unfortunately, I still have the issue. It's possible I replaced the sectiosn with more bad track and may purchase another four curve sections to to be sure, but is there anything else to look at with this?

 

Thanks.

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chipsetchipsetOGR Forum Member

MTH RealTrax, has a tendency if you do not assemble and/or disassemble 100% correctly, i.e. lift one end to take apart, push together to put together, to bend the copper/brass pins.

Take a look at them, they should be "U" shaped and not "L" shaped.

Also, the two "U's" should look like this next to each other (substituted V's for U's) /\ \/ but touching.

Also, if the center rail is black you might have to gently rub the black off with a green scotch brite pad.

Pine Creek RailroadPine Creek RailroadOGR Forum Member

splashmike,

   Chipset gives good advise, RealTrax is best set up once and left, I use it as my inner most loop on my living room Christmas layout due to the 031 engineering.  If you are having problems with a particular track piece, and you are having trouble fixing it, I have found the best cure for MTH track, is to get rid of that individual piece of problem track, carefully install a new track piece, you can usually pick up RealTrax at the train shows for very little cost.

PCRR/Dave

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad
S splashmikeOGR Forum Member

So as an update I cleaned the black off the middle rail on the tracks and this seemed to have a tremendous improvement on the issue. I'd say it is about 98% better, with an occasional small crackle. So great help. I'd love to understand the science/technology behind this fix.

 

Separately I just bought a new MTH diesel engine and it is creating sparks on the rear wheels. My other trains do not have this effect so I'm thinking its engine related, not track related. This is a brand new engine. Any thoughts on how to fix this? I can certainly bring it in for service, but maybe someone knows of a quick fix for this.

 

Thanks for the help.

Last edited by splashmike

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