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Troubleshooting an American Flyer if Short in Track

American Flyer is not as well known today as its former rival, Lionel, but at its height during the mid-20th century it was one of the big players in the American model train market. Die-hard enthusiasts still collect and operate American Flyer trains, keeping the brand alive. One of the more common problems encountered when operating an American Flyer train is a short circuit somewhere in the track layout. Fortunately, a few tasks are all that is required to diagnose and fix the problem.

Things You'll Need

22-gauge wire
American Flyer transformer
Thin screwdriver blade or similar thin, sturdy object

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the track for metal objects that may be in contact with both rails of the track. If you find such objects, remove them.
- 2
  Connect one end of a 22-gauge wire to the base post screw of an American Flyer transformer.
- 3
  Connect the other end of the wire to the base post clip of the terminal track, or place it in direct contact with the section's outside rail.
- 4
  Connect one end of a second 22-gauge wire to the 7- to 15-volt post of the transformer.
- 5
  Turn on the transformer near the midway point of its power setting.
- 6
  Swipe the free end of the second wire against the section's inside rail.
- 7
  Look for a spark, which indicates a short in that section of the layout.
- 8
  Repeat the procedure, if necessary, for other sections of the layout where your train fails to operate properly.
- 9
  Inspect the sections you've determined to have shorts. American Flyer tracks have a small piece of insulation keeping the ties or sleepers from making contact with the rails. This insulation can shift out of position, allowing contact to take place and causing a short.
- 10
  Prod the out-of-position insulation gently back into place using a thin screwdriver blade or similar thin, sturdy object.

Model Railroads