Can i ask what are Back to Backs and how do i check them? also i use cotten buds and IPA to clean wheels on locos is that ok?

Dave

Quote from: bbdave on June 16, 2012, 12:50:14 PM

Can i ask what are Back to Backs and how do i check them?

* Blatent self promotion  * ;  the following was in N'spirations issue #4:



Hope that helps.

Perhaps you really ought to purchase N'spirations on a regular basis 

H.

Quote from: bbdave on June 16, 2012, 12:50:14 PM
also i use cotten buds and IPA to clean wheels on locos is that ok?

That's fine, IPA is probably the best stuff you can use for wheel/pickup cleaning, just don't get any on the loco body as it will strip paint eventually 


Paul

Not sure i can check the loco BtBs as that means taking them apart but wagons etc i can but have no problems.as yet.
My worst runner is my Dapol Hall i've cleaned the wheels etc and tried a couple of test probes across the wheels only one fails to pick up one of the front pair i guess the pick up isn't but no idea how to adjust this so it'll have to do.

I did buy a copy of Nspirations but i'm not really a magazine person so doubt i'll buy many.

Dave

Quote from: bbdave on June 16, 2012, 03:09:58 PM

Not sure i can check the loco BtBs as that means taking them apart

You shouldn't need to take a loco apart to check the BtB - just turn it over and check between the wheels. You may occasionally need to remove a wheel-set (not to take the loco apart) if it needs adjusting, but that is not always necessary.

H.

Yeah but to take them out of the hall i have all those pushy in out roddy thinghies (expert talking) to take off but as it's nearly been out the window a few times i may use it as practice

dave

Word of warning. If you attempt to adjust the back to back of lightbar ready Dapol axles they will easily split the middle plastic bit and break. Spares are not (or last time I checked were not) available

Alan

It's the pick ups i want to look at mainly so that's not an issue.


Dave

still plagued by short circuiting on points 

i spend all my time adjusting wheel back to backs or point blades.... but the problem is never solved. i adjust a set of points for one route, then when the route changes short circuits re-occur again. it was the dmu's being the main offenders but just had problems with mk1 coaches too.


tim

Quote from: bluedepot on June 17, 2012, 09:43:22 PM
still plagued by short circuiting on points 

i spend all my time adjusting wheel back to backs or point blades.... but the problem is never solved. i adjust a set of points for one route, then when the route changes short circuits re-occur again. it was the dmu's being the main offenders but just had problems with mk1 coaches too.


tim

Do you use terminal blocks underneath your board?

One problem that I came across was that one very fine wire strand was loose from the 7/0.2 wire that I had used on one of the terminal blocks, almost unseen until I used a torch on the blocks. Once spotted and corrected the shorting problem disappeared. In my case I think that the throw of the points was enough to vibrate the strand to cause the short. It may not be the case with you Tim, but just a thought.

Hello Bluedepot,

I probably shouldn't even comment on this as my knowledge of electrics is very basic but you shouldn't be having this much trouble with points and short circuits. If everyone else had similar problems no one would model in N gauge at all!

Could I suggest that you post photos or a plan of your layout and an indication of which points are giving problems ? Maybe you have made a simple wiring mistake that is causing all the drama. It could be as simple as having missed out an insulating joiner somewhere.

There are experts on the forum who will be able to advise you. Perhaps there's even one who lives nearby who can help.

This is a wonderful hobby and you shouldn't be having such a frustrating time of it.

Regards

Veronica.

I was actually thinking the same. As I am building my own layout at the moment I am totally in , installation wires etc. and for me it also looks that there's something wrong with the wiring.

I agree too.  Do you have any frog polarity switching, and if so how is it done? 

I think it's a good idea to join your nearest model railway club, even if you don't want to run a club layout.  I floundered around for a few years and then joined a model railway club. I've never regretted it as I have access to a wide range knowledge thanks to more experienced modellers. Every club has a resident electrical expert and most are only too happy to help.

I'm very fortunate that I know a few people who can do wiring, one that fits decoders and another who can repair locos. I've learned to do some basic wiring and can solder rather badly and can even do some loco repairs but it's nice to know there are experts at hand.

You've done the right thing by joining this forum as you have access to lots of help from the modellers here but maybe an on site visit is called for.

Regards

Veronica.

Quote from: bluedepot on June 17, 2012, 09:43:22 PM

still plagued by short circuiting on points 
i spend all my time adjusting wheel back to backs or point blades.... but the problem is never solved. i adjust a set of points for one route, then when the route changes short circuits re-occur again. it was the dmu's being the main offenders but just had problems with mk1 coaches too.

It sounds like a wiring/switching issue and that you need specialist electrical help if you can't fathom it yourself. Generally other N gaugers don't have issues with Peco points and rolling stock, so it's possibly something you've introduced in the wiring. The advise about joining a club is good (even if your electrics aren't  ).

H.