I am new to this forum and do not have a lot of experience with model railroading even though I enjoyed some basic layouts as a kid and now want to share the fun with my 6 year old son.
My issue is that I picked up several pieces of HO power loc track, box cars, and 3 engines on eBay for a really good deal. However, all three of the engines have the same issue. They will run on the track layout, but they are not smooth at all. If I run at full speed they make the circuit, but anything less and they stop at some point and need a manual push! I tried building a simple round layout for testing but not much better. I took my layout apart, and made sure the copper connectors on the Power Loc track were pried out and would make contact with one another. I also took my volt meter and measured to make sure I had voltage around the circuit. Is this an inherit problem with this type of track or do I have a problem with power supplies or engines or all??? Thanks for any help and advice. I would like to get into the DCC locomotives but need to get the track issue resolved so any advice on DCC is also appreciated.
My issue is that I picked up several pieces of HO power loc track, box cars, and 3 engines on eBay for a really good deal. However, all three of the engines have the same issue. They will run on the track layout, but they are not smooth at all. If I run at full speed they make the circuit, but anything less and they stop at some point and need a manual push! I tried building a simple round layout for testing but not much better. I took my layout apart, and made sure the copper connectors on the Power Loc track were pried out and would make contact with one another. I also took my volt meter and measured to make sure I had voltage around the circuit. Is this an inherit problem with this type of track or do I have a problem with power supplies or engines or all??? Thanks for any help and advice. I would like to get into the DCC locomotives but need to get the track issue resolved so any advice on DCC is also appreciated.