4563 - locomotive working periodically!?

[Revolver_Aage]

Hi all

First time poster, long time LEGO-lover! Hope you all are good :-)

I recently did a major clean-up in my storage-room and found a bunch of my old LEGO's. Bliss!! Among all the wonderful bricks I found my old 4563 Train set. I set it all up... and it didn't work. Then it suddenly did. And then it didn't. When it WAS working, it seemed only to go when the control (4548) was  set to full speed. And the speed was very inconsistent - slowing down/speeding up very sporadically. Maybe corners was especially slow (?). the other locomotive I have (4551) didn't go at all. I tried different lengths of track, but then remembered that the train could usually get going even though the ends were not connected.

So here's the question(s):

1: Does anyone know of this problem and how to fix it?
2: Would it be easier to upgrade the "engine" to some of the new RC-stuff?
2.1: Are there any good guides out there for that?
 

Any comments, help and suggestions will be highly appreciated!
Revolver_Aage

[sed6]

Your track is probably dirty and needs to be cleaned. The metal rails oxidize and that prevents a good flow of electricity. You'll also need to check the connections between the track sections, make sure they are cleaned also and make good, tight contact. They make dedicated rail cleaners but a green scotch pad or a stiff rubber eraser will do the job. Also check your wires. A sharp kink on the outside could indicate a broken wire inside which can lead to an intermittent connection. It's possible there's something wrong with the motors themselves, but start with the track and wires first and then report back. 

[Revolver_Aage]

Hey Sed6

Thanks man! Boy did they need cleaning! I've only had time to clean 10 pieces of straight track for now, but it seems to be working.

Both locomotives starts and drives fine - even at low settings on the control. The 4563 locomotive has always had a bit of a mind of its own, even with clean tracks. Hence, it drove satisfyingly for a while on the clean tracks, then suddenly stopped and wouldn't go. I fiddled with the controls for a bit, trying to adjust the connectors and such. And ZOOOM! it went of - highest speed. Heh, it's working fine now. I'll keep cleaning and testing and return if I continue to have problems.

All the best

 

[Revolver_Aage]

Hey again

I realized that the sides of the tracks are very important to clean as well - #feelingstupid.

Now everything seems a-okay! Thanks Sed6, you saves me alot of work, time and money :-)

all the best

[sed6]

2 hours ago, Revolver_Aage said:

Hey again

I realized that the sides of the tracks are very important to clean as well - #feelingstupid.

Now everything seems a-okay! Thanks Sed6, you saves me alot of work, time and money :-)

all the best

Glad to hear! You're very welcome.