Comments on: Why do some Trains Hesitate or Stall on Track?

By: Charles Checklick

Charles Checklick — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:59:56 +0000

It becomes very frustrating when engine stops after a short distance, my layout is 12×4 ft. I have tried adding various electrical components but it still does not work, are there any electrical components that I can purchase that will help my problem

By: Mary Jane

Mary Jane — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 23:18:42 +0000

Where did you get that rail zip to

By: Brendan

Brendan — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 03:09:26 +0000

When I ran ona DC system I was constantly replacing the rail joiners . What I noticed was the amount of residual glue and gunk that sat within in the rail joiners from the drowning that went on during ballasting. This had to reduce cunductivity

I have since converted to DCC and use the mains or Bus wire with droppers every couple of feet. I also solder some thin gauge wire across the joiners in difficult to get at or less visible track sections.

These methods made a visible improvement in how the locos ran, especially at low speed and over insulfrog turnouts.

By: s

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:46:54 +0000

It seemed like I had to clean my track every time I wanted to run trains, then I applied a product called RailZip 2. I havent had to clean track in several months.

By: Tom Rainbow

Tom Rainbow — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:53:51 +0000

Sorry to be dim, but what’s a bus wire?

Many thanks.

By: John

John — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 13:48:14 +0000

I just wanted to say/comment about HO scale train sets slowing issues. My preference to fix these things are a personal pref. I for starters run a razor blade across the two tracks (power disconnected of course) at about 70 to 90 degree angle and lightly scrape the surface of the tracks to give them a new shine fresh clean surface then wipe down with rub alcohol to remove any flakes or splinters. Another thing / method preferred is to use a small piece of black insulated wire and solder it to the outside of each connecting rail. I am not a fan of the joiners or fish joint connections. Secure the tracks together shoring up the two rail ends together using hot glue to the underside of the RR ties then solder the wire to each rail outside edge. Just my preferences and thought I would share that. Hope it help or gives ideas to others.

By: joeldee/berlin

joeldee/berlin — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 10:27:41 +0000

DCC–Most of us have added “Keep Alive” type capacitors to locomotives which solves many of these issues. Also, it does away with “Electro Frog” switches for ALL locomotives no matter the electrical pickups! It does increase startup times briefly, but well worth the addition. These capacitors should be mandatory on ALL NEW engine releases from manufacturers-or at least an option!