I'm Puzzled.

[dennyitlo]

I have recently expaned my Kato unitrack lay out to double it's size. All the unitrack parts are connected but not glued to the the table. I have wired it so that the turnouts ( all # 6) are non power directed. Everyplace on the track registers 14 + volts. This is Digitrax DCC. My locos will run on some parts of the layout but absolutely die on othes. They will stop and when I place my finger on them I will hear the DCC sound start. When I try to move the loco it may make it a 1/16 of an inch and die all over again. I suspected dirty track or wheels. I have cleaned the track numerous times using Woodland secinics Tidy Track and have also cleaned my locomotives wheels by running them on a paper towel on the tracks with alcohol and Goo Gone. I have cleaned at least 4 times and can't see any indication tere is dirt on the tracks or the loco's wheels. I tried a DC loco and it had the same problems. I have been in this hobby for only a couple of years and have no local coontacts to consult with. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[bnsf971]

You have bad connections on some of the rail joiners. You'll need to separate the parts that lose power under load, and clean or tighten the joiners.

 

[santafewillie]

You have bad connections on some of the rail joiners. You'll need to separate the parts that lose power under load, and clean or tighten the joiners.

It might help also to add additional power feeders to the expansion.

 

[Mixed Freight]

In addition to the other suggestions, clean your track and loco wheels with either Kerosene, Naptha, or Mineral Spirits. Any one of these commonly available items should provide a much better and longer lasting cleaning job and electrical conductivity. One thing however, don't get any of this stuff on traction tires, though. It may prematurely shorten the tires' lifespans.

 

[dennyitlo]

Thank you all for your input. I have considered gluing down the reack to eliminate any existing flexing and soldering the joints in the trouble areas. I was only hesitant because if that doesn't solve the problem it will be difficult to change anything. I have 14 feeders in the layout ( a 4x7 size) now due to the turnout wiring. I don't think more would help. I will take your cleaning suggestion and secure some of the track. I'm just confused as to why my multi meter keeps showing a constant voltage reading on all track sections. I'll let you know how I make out.

 

[bnsf971]

I'm just confused as to why my multi meter keeps showing a constant voltage reading on all track sections.

A single strand of wire will show full voltage, but nothing will run because there isn't enough conductor to carry the current. As soon as you put a load on the circuit, voltage will drop to zero.

 

[dennyitlo]

The villain here is dirt. I suspected as much initally. I cleaned my track with Woodland Scenics tidy track kit 4 times. The problem continued. After getting your advice I glued down the section I was having trouble with and cleaned it with a cloth soaked in mineral sprits wrapped around my finger. I was shocked at how much gunk I removed. My loco now runs through that section smoothly. I'm thinking I got the track so dirty when I used weathering pigment to dirty up my Kato turntable. I will continue to secure the track and do another MS cleaning of the track and wheels I think I will be set. Thanks for the help.

 

[Toolbelt]

A single strand of wire will show full voltage, but nothing will run because there isn't enough conductor to carry the current. As soon as you put a load on the circuit, voltage will drop to zero.

Yup......voltage vs amperage.