If your train won't run at all, the first challenge is to find what is wrong. If the problem only started after you made recent changes to the track or trains, start there first. If you have no idea where to begin, the six steps below will walk you through the most typical problem areas.
Some problems are easy to solve. If you have a broken locomotive or power supply,
Your engine gets its power through the wheels. Make sure all of the
locomotives' wheels are on the track by sliding it back and forth gently. Try moving the engine to a different part of the track to rule out a loose rail joint or electrical connection.
Start with the connection between the wires and the track, then the connections between the wires and the
power supply . Make sure nothing is loose and the wires don't touch. Make sure the wires are connected to the terminals for the track and not accessories. Inspect the wires themselves to make sure they are not frayed or split. Check the electrical plug and socket, too. Is the outlet turned on?
If you're setting up for the first time, you can probably skip this step entirely. Dirty track and wheels usually result in rough stop-and-go running, not a complete loss in power. If you've had the trains put away for a long time, especially in a damp environment, you could have corrosion or dirt build-up heavy enough to prevent operation altogether.
If you do notice heavy dirt or corrosion, it can usually be removed with some special abrasive cleaning blocks and liquid cleaners
It's important to be sure that the power supply is working. The surest way is to use an
ammeter to read the electric current. If you don't have an ammeter, a simple test tool can be made with a low voltage light bulb and two short pieces of wire.
If you don't detect any current at the supply outputs, disconnect the wires to the track and test again. If you get a light, then you probably have a short in the track or wires. If not, then the problem may be a faulty power supply.
If everything checked out at the power supply, retrace the wires to the track again and test here. The ammeter will work, or if you have a second locomotive or even a lighted passenger car or caboose, try putting it on the track.
If you are getting good results with this test, the problem is probably in the locomotive itself. If you are just starting out, your best option is to return the locomotive or find a local service location
If you have detected a short circuit in the track, check your wires again. A short circuit can occur any time one rail or wire touches the opposite rail or wire. If you have more than one set of power leads, make sure they aren't crossed. It is a good idea to color code your wires.
If you are using the 2-rail track, make sure you haven't created a short in a
reversing loop or
wye . Switches and crossings can also cause a short if the opposite rails touch without an insulated break
Don Derail Troubleshooting Model Train Problems
