Atlas layout track problem

[train46]

I have a 4x8 atlas grand eastern trunk dc layout and problem is train slows down on one section of track that has one plastic joiner to the other end of block with plastic joiner. I checked voltage which is 15.3 all around layout but when locomotive  runs over it slows down and speeds up when it gets past. I checked trac joiners and there is a curved terminal  track in this block of track.If I add feeder wires do they come from selector and a common wire or what?

[prr 4467]

There are some good people here who would like to help you, but without knowing that layout, we need to see some kind of picture, please.

[edwardsutorik]

It sounds like a bad connection.

You can be getting a full 15.3 Volts because there is no electrical load when you make the measurement. When there's a load (the locomotive), the resistance at the bad connection can drop the voltage to the motor.

It's also possible that the problem is at a rail joiner, and the weight of the engine causes the connection to twist "just right", and have problems.

Top of my list would be a bad rail joiner. They need to be nice and tight. So you take that section apart and check for that. Sounds like (not) fun.

Next, and likely easier to check, would be a loose screw holding down a wire ("curved terminal track"?). I'd check every one of those. While less likely, I'd probably check that first, as it's easier.

Adding feeder wires requires some soldering skill. Are you up to it?

It's considered unwise by many to depend on rail joiners to conduct electricity--they're just used for the mechanical alignment. I solder a wire to each rail of each piece of track OR I solder the rail joiners. The latter can lead to thermal expansion problems, so you can't overuse it.

You MIGHT also be using too long a piece of too small a wire to feed that section. To fix this, you replace all or part of the wire run with fatter wire. This also is usually easier than disassembling your track to check the joiners. This version of the problem really shouldn't be happening on a 4x8 layout, though. But mayyyybeeeeee.....



Ed

[jonklein611]

The track plan in question:



shop.atlasrr.com/p-44227-ho-25-great-eastern-trunk.aspx

My guess would be poor contact on your rail joiners in that specific section. Potentially consider soldering some rail joiners to get better contact. Your feeder to that section could have a bad connection / damaged wire.

[mr_smith]

My father-in-law had a similar issue with a layout that was like this. He tracked it down to trying to run 6 axle locomotives on tight curves. The friction from turning so tightly slowed them down. He had better luck switching to short 4 axle switchers and one extremely tight curve he had to do away with. If it is the layout jonkonklein611 posted I can pretty much guess which section you are having an issue with.

Please let us know what you find.

Mike

[Mr. Trainiac]

Sometimes I forget that this is the Atlas rescue forum and not the rivet counter rescue forum

[hudsonyard]

that plan stretched to about 12 feet with an L attached to the third track on the "yard" end as "the branch" (via a fancy peco curved turnout no less) was essentially my childhood layout. bachmann spectrum GP30s and 35s and a kato NW2, good times.

[train46]

Yep that's the layout,At the double end at the right inside track in the middle to the far side at the switch leading to cross over.Block10. I checked joiners and they seem to be tight. I will be checking wiring next.

[jonklein611]

Jun 19, 2024 18:54:59 GMT -8 train46 said:

Yep that's the layout,At the double end at the right inside track in the middle to the far side at the switch leading to cross over.Block10. I checked joiners and they seem to be tight. I will be checking wiring next.

What type of locos are you running?

[train46]

You guys were right. I used fork terminal and had a bad crimp.Thanks to all for the help

[edwardsutorik]

Jun 21, 2024 12:54:10 GMT -8 train46 said:

You guys were right. I used fork terminal and had a bad crimp.Thanks to all for the help

Good on you for doing the work and finding the problem!


Ed