Can anyone help me solve this problem with some of my KATO ge-9's. It seems that the engines are not getting power every few feet of my layout. My wheels and track are clean and each block has power. This only happens with 3 of my dash -9. I've also looked at my electrical contacts on the engines, can they be cleaned. Also what is the best way to store engines when running day to day in a basement? Leave them on the layout or case them back up.
Hmm, I used to have this same problem with standard track. Then I went to kato-unitrack and viola, no more power problems. Only drawback being its price and looks. As far as your existing track goes you might try replacing the troubled segments, check your rail joints to make sure they are soldered properly or running more power lines from your power pack to the track thats giving your trouble. Only problem with adding addtional power to your tracks is getting the right balance, trains will run slow here but fast there, but hey at least they shouldn't stop. I'm sure more experienced hands will have better ideas for you or shoot holes in some of mine. Good luck
After I switched over to DCC in two of by Kato C44-9W's they became plagued with the same problem you are describing. The conclusion I came to is that the contact between the Light Circut Board (or DCC board) and the frame is too loose. I used some tape (gettin' fancy here) and just taped it tight onto the frame, causing there to be lots of presure on between the metal tab and the actual contact for the motor. This seemed to correct my problem. Also, I am planning to store my locos on the layout, as it will allow me to handle them less, but the current room I am using (mine) is extremely dusty so I use boxes so that no dust will get up into the gears which will allow for better ops. Hope that helps ya', Dane
Are the metal contacts touching the contacts on the trucks?They can get pushed up over the little tabs on the frame so they sit to high,although I guess if this was the case,you wouldn't get any motion at all. I leave my locos where ever they were when they stop,though I stop them in staging or at least on a section of track that is not close to the layout edge.(I don't want one of those "bumps in the night" to be a Kato -9!)It would drive me nuts to have to box up a loco every time I finished running it,but my room is relativly dust free.(atleast not extra dusty) Boy! do I ramble!see ya!
