O Guage Polar Express Has Problems

December 30, 2006

Here is a chance for readers to help a fellow enthusiast with the problems he is having running his Polar Express train set.

Here is his question about the running of a new Polar Express, if you would like to help out with an answer.

Phil asks:

“I want to know how to make my eng.(o-guage,polar express) run smoothly at low speed. Also will it help if I remove the rubber tires.

My problem is I bought the Polar Express RTR with a couple of extra short straights to make a slightly bigger oval for under the xmas tree. It get’s to the far end of the oval and starts to slow down.(slow speed it will almost stop).

I’ve cleaned the track,wheels. Measured ohms, voltage. Tried a friends loco,does better,but it’s dual motor and alot lighter. Took my loco to a LHS and tried it there and it runs fine. Tried bigger power pack, jumper wire to the other end of the track. Checked track connections.

I’m becoming very frustrated because this is a brand new Polar Express set. I don’t want to go out and buy new track. The fast track is brand new or would I have better luck with regular o guage track.”

That is his question. I know that experienced model railroaders like to help each other (especially newbies to the hobby), so here is your chance to contribute some help.

If you would like to offer a solution simply click on the comments tag below and submit your comments for posting to this model railroading blog.