Block Section Problem

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maxto - 28 Sep 2008 06:48 GMT

Hi, I am new to this site as well as model railroading. Although I've always
had an
interest in this hobby for as long as I can remember, nothing really
materialized until a few weeks ago. Anyhow, I had just finished completing my
somewhat simple
layout consisting of an inner and outter oval track connected via remote
switches
(Lionel 0 scale fastrack system, Polar Express Loco). Both sections (blocks)
were isolated using 1 3/8 inch isolating track with each having a separate
transformer.

I wanted to switch block section and while coasting toward the transition
point, I powered up the other transformer, but the engine just stopped and
would not move.
I then immediately realized that I had not checked for proper phase between
the blocks. I placed the train back on the main outter track and it seemed to
run fine (reserve, neutral, foward, smoke, whistle). I checked the phase
afterwards and low and below is wasn't correct.

My question is that despite the train running apparently 'normal' could this
have caused any kind of damage to the internal components, especially the
engine? Has this mishap potentially shortened the train's life? The
transfomers seem fine.

Do I have to be concerned?

Thank you for your help and advice.

Max

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wkaiser@mtholyoke.edu - 28 Sep 2008 21:55 GMT

maxto <u46520@uwe> wrote:

> Hi, I am new to this site as well as model railroading. Although I've always

[ Snip ]

> I wanted to switch block section and while coasting toward the transition
> point, I powered up the other transformer, but the engine just stopped and
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> run fine (reserve, neutral, foward, smoke, whistle). I checked the phase
> afterwards and low and below is wasn't correct.

> My question is that despite the train running apparently 'normal' could this
> have caused any kind of damage to the internal components, especially the
> engine? Has this mishap potentially shortened the train's life? The
> transfomers seem fine.

> Do I have to be concerned?

I don't do Lionel, but I'd say you don't have to be concerned.

You straightened out the transformers' phase problem, and if everything
works now, I don't see anyplace where damage could have occurred.

The short would have taken place between wheels on one side of the
isolation track and wheels on the other. The circuit would be through the
loco frame. The motor and reverser would have been out of that circuit.

If you left the train in that position long enough, one or both of the
circuit breakers on the transformers would have tripped. That tripping
would protect the transformers from further damage.

Welcome to the newsgroup and to model railroading. Have fun and remember:
short circuits happen.

--
Bill Kaiser
wkaiser@mtholyoke.edu

There are three ways to do a job: good, cheap, and quick.
You can have any two.
A good, cheap job won't be quick.
A good, quick job won't be cheap.
A cheap, quick job won't be good.

Reply to this Message

maxto - 29 Sep 2008 04:55 GMT

Hi Bill,

Thanks for your reply. I guess I got lucky this time! I hope I won't have
any more short circuits . . . . . at least for a while!

This is a great site.

Thanks again.

>maxto <u46520@uwe> wrote:
>> Hi, I am new to this site as well as model railroading. Although I've always
[quoted text clipped - 39 lines]
>A good, quick job won't be cheap.
>A cheap, quick job won't be good.

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Model Forum / General / Railroads / September 2008

Block Section Problem