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       #Post#: 2080--------------------------------------------------
       Saying hello
       By: tamorgen Date: January 19, 2019, 5:20 pm
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       Good evening.
       This is my first post to the Lionel forums.  I'm relatively new
       to the hobby.  About two years ago, I purchased a Polar Express
       LionelChief set for my daughters first Christmas.  This year, I
       expanded it quite a bit, and I'm beginning to run into issues.
       I only have two accessories (Polar Express Train Station and the
       Polar Express Platform), so I don't believe the power
       requirements are too much for the wall transformer, but I
       believe the FastTrack connections may be unreliable.  I have 48
       pieces of track, including 4 manual switches, forming two loops
       that connect at the switch points.  The train frequently stalls
       on the switches if it's not at an adequate speed.  The three
       included passenger cars do not always light up at the same time,
       and frequently flicker.
       I've seen some YouTube videos regarding solving this problem.
       One of them recommended making small jumpers out of 16 or 18
       gauge wire, connecting each section of track underneath.  That
       means making 96 jumpers, and soldering them between each track.
       Okay, lots of work, but if it solves it, great.  The only
       problem is that it makes it sort of permanent.
       I've seen other videos and discussions regarding bus lines  How
       necessary is this? What value does it add to a small setup like
       mine?   Currently I only have the wall transformer that comes
       with the set.   I know I can go up to a more traditional
       transformer, and just set it at 18V, and I can run my train
       using the remote.
       Thanks for any advice you can provide.
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