Minitrains Gmeinder back-to-backs

[danny]

I was testing my new layout today using a Gmeinder and discovered that on a curved siding, if stopped it will not start again. As it's a new layout, I was expecting the inevitable glue/paint/scatter, especially from weathering the track. Having checked these though I think it could be the sideways movement caused by narrow back-to-backs, something that I wouldn't previously have noticed as since getting the loco I have hardly run it on any curves. As it stops it moves sideways slightly which presumably makes the contact on one rail less good. Has anyone else had similar problems with these locos or am I barking up the wrong tree completely?
Danny

[B.Meldon]

I have not known any back to back problems with the Minitrains locos, but you may be correct.

However the first thing I would test are the wheel contacts on the loco.
These are known to fail on the Minitrains locos. It is not common but it does happen even from new.
Turn the loco upside down and using two wires from the track test all four wheels. Move them side to side with the wires, you may well find that the contacts on one wheel fail when the wheels are moved to one side.

Next make sure the rails are level, any slight kink, dip or step in the rails can cause problems. This will be worse if one of the wheel contacts has failed.

Brian Meldon

[danny]

I think the wheel contacts are OK as it works elsewhere and fails only in a specific place on the layout. I will try as you suggest however as I've noticed the amount of sideways movement possible with the wheels. I am still inclined to blame the track weathering but have cleaned this off in places where it seems to be causing problems.
Danny

[danny]

Just been having a go with this and it seems one of the grass tufts (which I am using as they look better than scatter and went a bit over the top with) is fouling one rail. This has been trimmed and running seems to have improved, but I think any other problems are likely to be with the layout and not the loco.
Danny