Running 9v at shows - how to make a smooth running layout?

[SD100]

I belong to a newer LUG that doesn't have a whole lot of experience running big train layouts, but I'm a train guy and over the past couple years I've worked to expand the size of our displays, and also the size of our trains. I've got quite a few long 6w trains that I've been running, but unfortunately I'm finding that the performance degrades from show to show.

I generally try to run trains with as many motors as possible to spread the load, either 4 9v motors, or 2 9v with 2 PF motors attached. Two controllers supplying power, and multiple power feeds around the loop.

I cleaned our track with a good scrub of a pink eraser and then rubbing alcohol.

I still have continuity issues and stuttering in some places, and they get worse each show. We're also burning up 9v motors like crazy. Some layouts they run for days, others they are toast in a couple hours, I can't make any sense of it. My PF motors however go like mad no matter what.

What advice do you have for me, or tips that will help me make a better running layout?

SD

[Narissis]

The behaviour you're describing could be the result of dirty internal brushes within the motor bogies. I've never done it myself, but I'm given to understand they're not difficult to clean once disassembled... however, getting the bottom plate unclipped and replaced without damage is a bit of a feat.

[Dav1d]

I've been displayed my 9V trains for many years at shows and never had any motors burn out. I try to keep my trains short and only have one motor per train. I find it better to have several short loops of track rather than one long loop. Occasionally a motor will cut out, so I put it in a siding for a rest and it works later (there must be a heat cut-out). I do try to keep my track clean. 

[zephyr1934]

On 6/26/2024 at 4:46 PM, SD100 said:

I generally try to run trains with as many motors as possible to spread the load, either 4 9v motors, or 2 9v with 2 PF motors attached. Two controllers supplying power, and multiple power feeds around the loop.

I cleaned our track with a good scrub of a pink eraser and then rubbing alcohol.

I still have continuity issues and stuttering in some places, and they get worse each show. We're also burning up 9v motors like crazy. Some layouts they run for days, others they are toast in a couple hours, I can't make any sense of it. My PF motors however go like mad no matter what.

Sounds like you are doing most things right. Lighter trains and roller bearing wheels might help some. Technically I believe the lego specs are one 9v train controller and two motors per track (I've violated both... and I've burned up several 9v motors). Multiple power drops is key, if your train is light you probably do not need more than one controller even for a large loop. To some degree the 9v motors actually clean the track. So getting the layout moving at the start is a pain but then it should be self sustaining. Remember that you only need to clean the inside corner of the rails, that's where the motor contacts. When the tracks are really dirty (a loose motor will not even go all the way around the loop) I start cleaning near the power drop and work in one direction. Using an eraser I clean the inside corner of both rails. Then I turn the power on and put a loose motor on the track. I keep watching where it will sputter and stall (hopefully not at all in the section I just cleaned but sometimes that happens) and then it may or may not make it into the section I haven't cleaned. Keep going until the entire loop is clean. A 9v light brick connected to the motor is also a great indicator as to where there is bad contact. Or if the train runs when the track is just set up you can start the train running and just work your way around the loop- clean a section, wait for the train to pass and see if it passes better than before you cleaning, move to the next spot and repeat.

One thing that I found helps the motors is to limit run time to 1 hr (perhaps less if a heavy train).

I think the weakness are the internal brushes, they seem to wear down if you work the motor too hard. You'll probably want to become a master of repairing burned out motors. It doesn't look hard (as long as you can solder your way out of a paper bag... which I CAN'T).

 

Here's a bunch of links on repairing or maintaining 9v motors

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=83667

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=120208&#entry2448350