loss of power

[joe ramirez]

I have a mainline and it goes to a left turnout. that connects to a right turnout that connects to a larger loop. I am loosing power at the first turnout. The switch works but the train won't go. what could I do to fix it? Do I need to add another trunout to connect it back to the main line?

I tried to upload a image but I can't.

Joe
I have added a word doc to show the layout and show where the loss of power occurs.

 

[SAL Comet]

Ha Joe, Welcome to the Gauge. I'm just guessing here but, I'd say your loop is causing a short. ei. both rails are the same polarity starting at the turnout leaving the main line. If your using DC that is. Here's a link that might help-http://www.daveheinzel.com/trains/loop1.php

 

[Ralph]

Hi Joe,
Welcome aboard! I've had trouble like this a couple of times with Atlas turouts. What I did was cut a length of wire, peeled off about a quarter inch of the insulation at both ends, and (with power pack on and engine on track) touched it:

(1) to the rails of the turnout and the track behind it...
(2) to the rails of the turnout and the track in front, and
(3) to the rails beyond both ends of the turnout...

to see if there is any engine movement under any of those options. If so I then solder wire accordingly to provide the needed power. More experienced folks on the forum who enjoy the electircal side of the hobby can explain why this power loss happens with some turouts and not others but at least I've been able to take care of it on my layout.
Best wishes!
Ralph

 

[joe ramirez]

Thanks for the help and Ralph I had just thought of that just before I check your reply, I need to add more power to the outer loop. strange.
Thanks again for the help.
Joe

 

[Russ Bellinis]

Many turnouts rely on the points contacting the stock rails for power transfer. If the points don't make a good connection, you loose power at the turnout.

 

[60103]

Joe: a couple of suggestions. An automobile lamp in one of your power wires will tell you if you have a short circuit. Does your train run and stop at the switch or not run at all? If it stops and you don't have a short, take a length or wire with bare bits at each end, touch one to the rail where the train runs and the other to the same rail about where the train stops. You may have to repeat for the other rail. If the train runs, you've found a break in your electric supply.

 

[docsnavely]

Joe,

My question to you is.....is there power going to the inner loop? I know it may be a simple question, but with my experiences with electrical troubleshooting, it's the simple questions that shine the brightest light.

-doc