Sparks on my Lionel bump n go trolley

[hd16rk5018]

Hello everyone, have a question. I just purchased a used Lionel bump n go trolley, it works fine except it sparks continuously at the contact rollers. I'm running it on tubular track. Any suggestions on how to fix/eliminate this problem?

Thank you

 

[timlange3]

Sparks are from having a small gap between two conductive surfaces, the roller and the track. Probably due to bits of dirt on both. Use some Goo Gone on a paper towel and clean the roller until you do not get any dirt on the towel. Then clean the track where you see sparks, then clean the whole track.

 

[RhB Michael]

I can smell the ozone from here!

 

[Dub]

Oil the moving parts and run it. Cleaning the motor and the sliding electrical parts would not hurt either

 

[Iron Horseman]

Sparks are from having a small gap between two conductive surfaces, the roller and the track. Probably due to bits of dirt on both. Use some Goo Gone on a paper towel and clean the roller until you do not get any dirt on the towel. Then clean the track where you see sparks, then clean the whole track.

I love the smell of an arching O-gauge train running down the tracks.....
I would go one step further and put a light coating for electrically conductive fluid on the rail. Rail-zip, Bachmann EZ-Lube, CRC 2-26, and others. I know Atlas and Woodland Scenics make one but don't remember the names. This stuff will prevent not only the visible sparks but also prevent future pitting from the tiny sparks and arcs you can't see.

 

[logandsawman]

I was able to get rid of the "sparks" by using mineral spirits as my track and wheel cleaner.