In the haste to integrate the most recent technology into our modeling efforts, we sometimes fail to keep in mind that basics really do matter. Let’s take a moment to review one of the most basic principles of the hobby that’s lasted for generations. I’m talking about solid conductivity of power, specifically the need to assure power finds its way to motors, lights, and sound units.
Bringing this home, the K & I’s layouts, both DCC powered, depend on several elements to assure your equipment performs at its peak. Clean track, clean wheels, and solid track connections are essential if your equipment is to perform properly.
Let’s start with clean track. The K & I has invested several dollars in acquiring a track cleaning car that performs its intended function very well. This car is used by members of the Layout Committee and Board of Directors members to clean track on a regular basis. In addition to this car, there are several “Bright Boy” abrasives that have been purchased for general use by club members. When you’re running trains, you’re encouraged to take a few minutes to clean tracks (including spurs) using a “Bright Boy” to assure good continuity for your equipment.
Just as important to keeping tracks clean is the need to keep tracks connected. The layout committee does a pretty good job of making solid connections when laying track. However, humidity and temperature changes can cause the modules of our layout to contract and expand. It is not bulletproof! As a result, sometimes the rail joiners move, causing a dead spot in the track. Often this can be corrected by simply moving the rail joiners just a bit. Again, if you’re unsure how to do this, please ask someone who knows how. You might also complete a defect card to indicate the problem and allow someone from the layout committee to perform follow-up action. Do note that you’ve attempted to correct the problem and the result of your efforts. Track Defect Notification cards are located near the power table on the Primary Layout. Complete instructions on how to fill out the card correctly are on the bulletin board and also posted in the Members Only tab on the website under Track Defect Procedure.
If the track is clean and well-connected, the next critical item is the condition of the wheels on your equipment. You might be surprised at how much “dirt” you bring to the track each time you bring your equipment simply because the wheels are dirty. Fortunately, the K & I has wheel-cleaning equipment available for your use. It’s located at the workstation near Rocky Bend on the Primary Layout. If you do use the workstation to clean your equipment, please remember to leave it in the same condition you found it and clean up after yourself. If you’re unsure where it is or how to use it, please ask. But DO clean your locomotive wheels; save yourself and others the grief of running with dirty wheels.
The dirty wheels comment also applies to your rolling stock. The standard for K & I equipment is metal wheels. Though not as bad as plastic wheels, the metal ones still pick up a great amount of dirt and transfer it to the track. You can minimize this dirt by cleaning your wheels at home or at WHQ. There are several ways to do this, including but not limited to a bright boy, liquids, or a stiff brush. In any event, you should do this before running your rolling stock on the layout. You’ll save yourself and others a lot of frustration if you don’t bring extra dirt to the layout.
With the vast variety of sound, light, and motor options available for those of us in today’s model railroading hobby, it’s essential that we do our best to assure those options receive sufficient power to perform as they should. Please do your part to make “running trains” enjoyable for yourself and others.
Happy Railroading!
Ed Brennan, MMRⓇ 499
