Hello - a new member with an old system

[johnturner]

I have the smoke switch but no switch in the cab or smoke box. I was wondering about a lack of skate pick-ups but reassured by rhaetianfan’s post on Monday. Next step a strip-down and clean with contact cleaner I think.

Should have added that I think I understand the points switching now - two cables into the red switch box then three to each point. However, I’m less sure how I used/why I needed the green controller as well as red transformer. Could they be coded to different trains in the 1980’s?

 

[johnturner]

I should also have said a big thank you to everyone for their help

 

[Gizzy]

However, I’m less sure how I used/why I needed the green controller as well as red transformer. Could they be coded to different trains in the 1980’s?

As your system is quite old, the only way you can run both your locos at the same time, is to have a controller for each. You will also need a separate circuit of track, isolated from the other circuit....

 

[Gerard]

Welcome and congratulations having a grandson who likes trains too!
Never a better excuse than your grandchilds running along the track.
Please use this tip: use "copper grease" when you build up your tracks.
It can take over 300 degrees celcius and will not be washed away by any rain.
It will keep your track for years to come clear from electrical interruptions due to bad connections !

 

[johnturner]

Thanks Gizzy.

 

[johnturner]

Welcome and congratulations having a grandson who likes trains too!
Never a better excuse than your grandchilds running along the track.
Please use this tip: use "copper grease" when you build up your tracks.
It can take over 300 degrees celcius and will not be washed away by any rain.
It will keep your track for years to come clear from electrical interruptions due to bad connections !

That’s interesting thanks. I’ve seen it advertised for high temperature lubrication but had not realised it is also good for electrical connections. Do you spread on top of cleaned tracks or concentrate it on track joints?

 

[Gerard]

Here is a copy of page 49 chapter 2.4 from our 361 page book "Our Model Garden Railway" that covers this subject.
(The book is for sale on Amazon and covers a lot of practical problems of G-scale railways.)
My co author is an G-scale expert, solving all sorts of G-scale problems for over 40 years now.
You may contact him about your loco on his mailaddress: rainer.kleinsteuber@gmail.com
May be he can help you.

 

[maxi-model]

That’s interesting thanks. I’ve seen it advertised for high temperature lubrication but had not realised it is also good for electrical connections. Do you spread on top of cleaned tracks or concentrate it on track joints?

It is not electrically conductive as a product. It helps seal cleaned joints from water and dirt between rail surface and track clamps. So clean all surfaces to be mated to be effective. Do not use on rail head. Max

 

[johnturner]

All understood, thanks