Item no# 24020- Durango & Silverton

[lucky2912]

I bought this two weeks ago. I carefully set up the tracks and placed the engine on the tracks. The engine ran after several failed attempts. I lifted the engine and tried placing it again and now it wont run...again it ran after several attempts...this happened a few times. What is the easiest foolproof way to ensure the engine runs on my first attempt of placing it on tracks?

P.S. I have watched all videos, read the manual carefully and I am sure the tracks are assembled perfectly.

[Flare]

It's possible that the wheels and rails need to be cleaned.

It's also not unheard of for the controller to be bad.  Do you have a voltmeter you can use to test the voltage on the rails?

[Bipeflier]

Ensure the track is set on a very flat surface.  There isn't much electrical pick from the track up on those engines.  Sitting on carpet, etc. can be troublesome.

[lucky2912]

Thank you both, I re-did that whole track assembling thing yesterday and after a couple hours it works now! I realized that if I don't use the straight tracks, it works. There is something wrong with 2 tracks (one straight and one curve). Not sure if it can be replaced.

@Flare- No, I don't have a voltmeter.

@Bipeflier- I am using my apartment floor (no carpet) to set this.

My learnings from this- 1) each track has to be matched correctly; 2) The orange power cord should be properly connected to the track (it loosens if the track moves slightly);  3) there is some technique involved in placing the engine on track so that it gets power supply; 4) it took me a long time to couple the coaches (needs practice); 5) stay relaxed while assembling and enjoy the process (never work on it after stressful hours at office)

[Flare]

A multimeter is a very helpful tool for model railroaders when it comes to diagnosing problems.

Perhaps the joiners on those bad sections aren't making a good connection?  You can crimp them onto an adjoining rail with pliers for better conductivity.

Bachmann also sells additional/replacement track sections.

I use Bachmann's HO EZ-track for my trains, but the connector is the same for N scale.  It's friction-fit so you have to press it in snugly to get a good connection.