Help! Intermittent track shorting.

[Ads040]

Hi all! One loco (a B17) trips my layout intermittently but consistently always in the same spot. There is nothing special about that spot as far as I can tell. Other locos run fine without tripping the controller. 

Has anyone got any advice for stuff I could check or change etc? I'm at a loss! 

[Chrissaf]

There is nothing special about that spot as far as I can tell.

 

If you described this spot in detail, or better still posted a photo of it. It might reveal 'something special' about it to others.

[Ads040]

Im on iOS and looks like the forum doesn't like Apple photos BUT it is where a double 3rd radius curve (R609) meets a long straight (R603) on an oval layout with one point on the opposite straight. It is loose track (not pinned) running over ikea anti slip felt and touching some 2mm static grass. 

Ive run a King Class and a K1 over it for a while now woth No issues. The B17/2 is happily going around a 2nd radius oval. 

Really appreciate you taking the time to try and help.

[96RAF]

Open your photo and send it to Files, where it will ask you where to save it. Take note of the img number it allocates.

 

Now use the black and white icon next to thesmiley face to browse to your photo. It will now upload.

[Chrissaf]

There is a work around for posting Apple IOS photos. Rob (RAF96) has posted the 'workaround' several times. He will probably repeat the method again in this thread if he sees it.

 

EDIT: Rob posted the 'workaround' whilst I was preparing my reply.

 

I was asking the question about the track detail more for the benefit of others who might have an answer.

 

[JJ73]

Hiya

I have 2 B17's - 'Welbeck Abbey' No. 61619 & 'West Ham United' No. 61672, have you  checked the power connecting clip is correctly inserted into a suitable section of track - all track sections are correctly fitted together & all fishplates are fitted tightly into adjoining metal rails so that there is no derailment & checked that all the wheels are correctly placed on the track???

 

When was the last time you cleaned the track & checked  for dust, hairs, etc??? Model railways after time will accumulate a blackish deposit on the running surface of the rails & some of this will transfer onto the Loco Pick-up wheels (the wheels that take the power from the track to the motor inside the model!!!)

 

It is essential that both the wheels & track are kept clean!!! Other wise the driving wheels won't be able to work maximum traction or there will be a reduction in the power reaching the motor!!!

If you feel that you are confident to do so - CAREFULLY take the body off & check that all the inside wires are not broken or any fluff has got inside - while your there check that the pickups are touching the wheels ok & again no wire are broken!!!

 

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Are you running DC or DCC???

Hope that this helps

[Ads040]

Thanks JimyJames. I've given everything a good clean (track, clips, wheels) and gone around making sure everything is fitted together nicely. The B17 is running ok on other curves' ovals. Im tempted to put it down to a mystery at this stage! 

[JJ73]

No probs - may be either the cleaning did the job or you had a gremlin in side your Loco!!!  😆