How to test track (HO Scale)

[modelrailroadforums]

Question: Is there a track tester that determines such things as: (1) dirty track; (2) too much resistance from bad/old track; and (3) open track. etc.?

Background: I acquired a used layout. I've recently framed the layout and set up a pulley system in my garage to enjoy. This morning, after ordering and receiving a Backmann E-Z Controller Digital Command Control System (Bachmann No. 44902) I set the E-Z Controller up and the using a Bachmann connector track spliced into what appears to be Atlas type track, ran a DCC Diesel locomotive on the track. The track seems to work fine, except for the following:

a. At some points on the track, the locomotive runs in a halting fashion- like the power is less reliable at various locations around the track.
b. The locomotive stops at times on the track, even though other times, the engine runs through that same area without any problem.

In my inexperienced judgment, the problem lies with the track and not the controller or locomotive - but what do I know. Surely, there's some unit/tool/instrument that can be used to check out each section of the track to ensure full power is running through it evenly (or at all).

So, in short, is there such a unit/tool/instrument?

 

[JE78]

It sounds like the track is dirty in some spots. I was recommend the Bright-Boy.

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/949-521

 

[Selector]

Question: Is there a track tester that determines such things as: (1) dirty track; (2) too much resistance from bad/old track; and (3) open track. etc.?

...

Yup, it's that little motive power gizmo called the locomotive. Worse in DCC.

Power transmission problems to the motor can be numerous. Improper contact or corrosion at the posts, broken wires, bad contact at the tracks, dirty tracks, dirty tires, dirty/worn wipers, broken wire or cold solder in the engine, worn motor. Sometimes the joiners are intermittent due to their having been pressed open by overhead engine weight. If they are not firmly supported, they dip and will splay eventually. They are not the same metal as N/S, I believe, so their will be some oxidation.

When an engine hesitates at a spot, assume it is the joiner either aft or forward of the engine, or both. If it stops, without changing the throttle or nudging it, place a wooden dowel over the nearest joiners and press just a wee bit. If the engine resumes motion, you know you have a bad joiner.

 

[GrampysTrains]

Yes, there is. Use a quarter across the rails, if the system shuts down, you have power at that spot. DJ.

 

[modelrailroadforums]

Excellent information all. Today, when the sun comes up, I'll employ each idea. Thanks to each of you.

 

[kbkchooch]

While you are cleaning that track, check the loco wheels. Dirty track leads to dirty loco wheels. Either one can cause silmilar symptoms.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Question: Is there a track tester that determines such things as: (1) dirty track; (2) too much resistance from bad/old track; and (3) open track. etc.?

Background: I acquired a used layout. I've recently framed the layout and set up a pulley system in my garage to enjoy. This morning, after ordering and receiving a Backmann E-Z Controller Digital Command Control System (Bachmann No. 44902) I set the E-Z Controller up and the using a Bachmann connector track spliced into what appears to be Atlas type track, ran a DCC Diesel locomotive on the track. The track seems to work fine, except for the following:

a. At some points on the track, the locomotive runs in a halting fashion- like the power is less reliable at various locations around the track.
b. The locomotive stops at times on the track, even though other times, the engine runs through that same area without any problem.

In my inexperienced judgment, the problem lies with the track and not the controller or locomotive - but what do I know. Surely, there's some unit/tool/instrument that can be used to check out each section of the track to ensure full power is running through it evenly (or at all).

So, in short, is there such a unit/tool/instrument?

The track may be dirty in some spots and there may also be some connection problems. Rail joiners become loose after a while and dirt or corrosion gets into them. The easiest way around this is to solder the track joints so there's a solid connection between each section. Leave a small gap (1/8" max) once in a while and just solder jumpers around the gaps.

 

[modelrailroadforums]

DCC Track Testing

Someone suggested this:

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/246-RAMPMETER2

At little expensive (found some around $70+) but suspect this may be the answer.

 

[Capndick]

Some outfit makes a track tester that is nothing more than a grain of wheat bulb mounted in a piece of plastic with a wiper on the bottom for each rail...you could make one in 10 minutes using 2 track connecters for the rail sliders.....solder the bulbs wires to them and CA or epoxy them to the bottom, drill a hole for the bulb......slide it along the track and when the bulb goes dark there's your bad spot.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Some outfit makes a track tester that is nothing more than a grain of wheat bulb mounted in a piece of plastic with a wiper on the bottom for each rail...

I have one of those. Picked it up at the LHS a couple of years ago.