Model Railway
a. Layout
b. Locomotives
c. Cars
d. Operating
e. Summaries
Photos
Daley Train Log
Page 127
After the problems I noticed during my last operating session where the locomotive repeatedly stalled while moving in the Black Diamond area, I decided to take a break from operating and work on the track in this section of the layout.
I spent about 3 hours this morning testing the track in the Black Diamond area. It was very tricky. One moment a loco would travel over a section without difficulty, then a few minutes later it would stall. At one point I lost all power on two sidings, suggesting there might be a problem with the switch.
I finally decided to take out a major part of the Black Diamond track and relay it, making a small adjustment that removed a slight kink in the track. That seems to have solved the problem. I continue to be both surprised and amazed at how a very small adjustment can make a huge difference in operating performance.
The new batteries in the handheld cab made a huge difference as I did not need to stay tethered to the power pack but could stand right beside the locomotive while it was making its moves and watch carefully at what was happening.