How To Improve Lionel Train Performance With Extra Lockons

Episode 49: Does your train slow down when it is away from the transformer? Auxiliary power lockons may be your simple and quick solution!

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[ericsnyder]

Finally I found the answer !! I figured the more track you had. You would need more voltage. But it seems no one is talking about that. After seeing some of these big layouts. With hundreds of feet of track. I did not think it would be so difficult. To find out about voltage. Thanks, very simple to add more power sources. Simple picture solves the question. Thank You!

[robertbailey]

I have some really old O27 track and some long runs (4ft by 8ft double loop layout). A connection to the transformer about every 9 pieces of track works very well.
A poor connection between 2 pieces of track can heat up the track noticeably. After setting up a new layout and letting a train run around it for awhile, turn off the track and run your hand over all the connections. Be careful, a particularly bad connection can get hot enough to burn! Any connection which is significantly warmer than the rest needs attention. Rusty pins need to be cleaned. Loose fitting pins need to be tightened. Replacing the tracks on both sides of the hot spot is a good alternative

[joegennari]

THANKS!!!! HEARD ABOUT "FEEDER WIRES" BUT NEVER KNEW HOW TO DO IT!!!!

[thewisemenwatch]

Thank you for this video. My layout is small, but there has been a loss of power when my engine crosses over a vintage lionel o22 right hand manual switch. The switch has a small part where its not metal, and I have to gun the train full throttle or the engine stops. Adding the lockon for boosting power past the area is helping, and while the train still occassionally stops, the problem is less, and I dont have to gun it at high speeds just medium speed . Very informative video, thanks again.

[johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

Your videos have really helped me iron out the issues with my layout, greatly appreciated!

[MortisNuntius]

I tried several things and what worked nicely for my K-Line Penn was I put the actual hot wire inside the middle track, and neutral wire in the outer track, then I connected the track piece inside with the wires.. been going strong for 2 years without power loss and it's really snug so no fear of wires coming out

[nickluzzi]

I'm new to your channel and trains . I made a 6 by 10 table . I'm in the middle of laying track . you have given me a !it of info to help me . looking forward to your videos and info . thanks .

[kirkwalsh]

What about the LTC illuminated lock on? Do you recommend them for daily use?

[edfulginiti]

I've run ONLY one wire from lock-on to lock-on...and I believe it has been effective. Running #1 on main lock-on to only #1 on second lock-on...not the #2...seems to have worked for me. Am I wrong?

[pieman]

I have a really old Lionel train set and I'm using really old train track. My train slows down alot when I hit corners. Its really bad to the point where I have a hard time setting the speed to a constant speed and letting it run because it will be to much power for the straight sections if it makes it and it stalls in the corners at a lower power setting. My locomotive has a really tall gear ratio and is capable of incredible speeds. I need to reduce the friction in the locomotive around the bends. I cleaned the track and the locomotive wheels and I don't know what to do my train doesn't run smoothly like that. But it runs great in straight sections.

[deezyjackson]

OKAY SO THIS MIGHT BE A DUMB QUESTION BUT I JUST NEED CLARIFICATION SO IM RUNNING THE CW80 TRANSFORMER AND YOU KNOW HOW IT HAS 4 POSTS ON IT? SO FOR MY 2ND LOCKON AM I CONNECTING THE WIRES TO THE EXACT SAME POSTS AS MY #1 LOCKON?

[thegamingcolossus]

Not sure what the best technique is to clean the track for my n scale trains. Any recommendations? I mean I have heard of using isopropyl alcohol to do it but I’m not sure.

[Naddan]

Why don't you want to try this with a modern transformer?