Curious 4 car power issue

[whitelighter]

So I bought the pit stop challenge set (3 MP12-4C cars) recently, but not content with the standard oval I have added an infield section using radius 1 curves. I have also added two radius 2 switch/point tracks at either end

The set generally runs well, and I have tested the continuity of the tracks by slowly running a car round both lanes with the track broken at the power base with no stuttering or slow down.

When running more than 1 car I randomly experience the following problem:

the power will drop out, there is a staccatto stuttering noise (we think *maybe* from one or all of the lane change sections) and the power/coding light on the power supply flashes. about 50% of the time the power comes back after a couple of seconds, the rest of the time after 5-10 seconds the stuttering noise stops but the power/coding light coninues to flash and the unit requires unplugging to reset.

I have tried different plugs, different wall sockets and removed the pit stop game to see if that makes a difference. It doesnt seem to. 

Any one got any idea? is there some in build protection that is tripping in the unit? Has anyone expereinced this?

Thanks

[whitelighter]

Some more info:

Have tried vacuuming track incase loose braids were causing a short but - 

Never happens with just one car - so surely loose braids would still cause a short.

Issue gets worse everytime you add a car (tried up to 3 - no 4th controller at present)

Problem still there after thorough track vacuum

[Blagard]

Are you using the correct power supply unit? The offical ones have a fairly high power output available and I wonder if your track is getting enough power.

 

There is built in short circuit protection that will cause the power to be shut down and I see you have already seen my post on cleaning out the slots to ensure no bits of braid or similar are causing the short. Also make sure the braids on the cars are tidy and not liable to short across the rails.

[whitelighter]

I'm using the power supply which came with the set.

ive tried it on different sockets but the issue remains. All the cars have less than a couple of hours running and the braids look tidy. all five cars are equally affected.

its very frustrating - it does feel like a short circuit but I can't figure out why extra cars would affect it. I haven't tried 4 cars but since it won't reliably run 2 there seems little point.

 

[whitelighter]

Another update:

Having had a play around this evening, of the 5 cars I have 3 (the MP12-4Cs) came with the set. These seem to be quicker and smoother than the other two, though I have noticed perhaps a little fluctuation in the power but then again that might be my 5 years old throttle control.

Of the other two, the porsche 911 (C3132) is probably as quick but not quite as smooth - though I think that is internals as its not jerky. The R8 GT3 (C3060) is the worst by a fair margin - it is noticably slower even on its own ands this even when running a constant mid pace has started to stop at a point just about as far from the transformer as you can get - the other 4 cars have no issues.

The drop out also happens more often when this car is running, but not exclusively as it also happens when using the 3 kit McClarens.

The R8 is brand new, and has performed badly out of the box so I suspect there is a problem with that car but it doesnt 100% explain the rest. Should I add jump leads to the point where the R8 stops to see if that cures/helps the problem?

I must say, I expected a product from Scalextric to work straight from the box. This is so far a bit dissapointing.

[Blagard]

What is the model No, of the power transformer?

 

Any scalextric product should work fine out of the box but that can't be said of secondhand. I have personal experience of buying secondhand where "alternative" transformers have been substituted for the originals.

 

Having one car stop on the track where others don't really suggests the braids on the car may not be set properly but since you say the car performs badly from new I would be inclined to send it back once you have checked the braids.

 

Jump leads are no substitute for having a circuit that works properly. You may have issues with older track but new track should be fine. The number of issues you have are not uncommon with secondhand sets that have not been looked after. While having one problem with a new set would be unfortunate having several is just unacceptable. While booster leads can overcome some problems they should be a very last resort.

 

Digital has specific hand controllers so your post is confusing because you talk about your five year old controller. So how old are the parts you are using?

[Chadow]

Now, I may be going daft here, but Whitelighter says 'it' when referring to the transformer.  To the best of my knowledge (and I am happy to be corrected) digital circuits generally require two transformers, each able to supply 15V.  I don't know this game, or the 4 car powerbase - I run the C7042 six car - but, if I unplug one of the transformers, I get symptoms similar to what is described above. Not to be recommended!