Hello All
<ul>
<li><u>Tehcnical data:</u></li>
<li>IB </li>
<li>IB Switch </li>
<li>Transformer, track power 70VA (Uhlenbrock) </li>
<li>2 feedback modules (# 63350) </li>
<li>2 switch tracks modules (# 63410)</li>
<li>C-rails </li>
<li>HO </li>
<li>Digital Format: Motorola New</li>
<li>For now: approx. 80 meters of rails</li>
<li>Seperate transformer 52VA powering #63410</li>
<li>25 contact points - modified C-track</li>
</ul>

I'm in the process of building my upcoming hidden yard.
It started with that I joined all the rails with only manually switches.
Subsequently, I've checked that there is a good electrical connection in all the rails. All 10 trains ran perfect everywhere on the layout.

Actually, I had only 1 rail link to my IB around. 80 meters of rails - it ran perfectly with 10 trains. (Later on I have connected 8 more rails to my power bus)
Now, I started to connect all switch tracks to Uhlenbrock # 63410

Now, the switch tracks works perfect too.

BUT - now all trains is running very "jerky" on virtually all tracks, if they run at all!!.

The same behavior as if there is no good connection in the rails.

Before I start to disassemble the electrical wiring (switches and power bus) - (rolling back to the point where I know the trains ran perfect) I just want to hear your opinion on what can be the route cause ?

I have also done some carpentry while connecting the electrical stuff. Can the dust have caused the problem ?

I love my trains when everything works, but when something is wrong and I cant figure out what the problem is .......arrrggggg [}:)] -

But then it is good to have this lovely forum.

Thanks for your time.

P.S.

Have you used enough thick of cable to connecting digitalsystem too...?

At least 0,5 mm to the tracks...?

Goofy

It could be that the contact tracks are interupting the negative (rail ) return and the power is trying to complete its return through the wheel sets if the contact tracks are on different sides at various points. I had a similar occurance with a grade crossing that wasn,t connected for a while when working on the layout. I hope that makes sense.
Rob

C-Track needs cleaning just like all other tracks. And some decoders are more sensitive to dirty tracks than others.
But c-track does not rust or tarnish like some other tracks so it stays cleaner longer till there is a lot of carbon and dirt build up on the track.

There is no doubt in my mind now!
It is dirty tracks that has caused the problem.
I'll create a new thread asking for "what track cleaning car would you suggest"

Thanks for your help