Engine stops over switches

Easy way to test a battery without opening the shell.

For testing the battery under load, I have a port leads for 5v round and 3v rectangular charging ports that I hook my meter up to. Engine goes on the bench test track and I monitor the voltage as power is applied and as when it is removed. If it drops too low, out goes the battery.

GRJ, in the above posts, it was mentioned that a battery was tested with a voltmeter.  I just wanted to reiterate for the benefit of the hoi polloi that testing a battery with a voltmeter is an almost useless effort if not under load.

That engine did lose sound awfully quickly.

I had problem with uneven track and wheel contact. I posted my solution in this post:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...unevenness#lastReply

Then there was a problem with outside power rail pickup:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...rovement-with-photos

Not that I know for sure, but I had a new MTH Imperial Berkshire that suddenly picked up a stutter-step when crossing a O72 switch, then would shut down if crossing it at low speed.  I tried looking for track deadspots, cleaned the switch and track and no improvement.

I eventually got around to cleaning the engine itself, pickup rollers and wheels -- that fixed it for me.  I think it was the wheels being dirty enough to cause my problems.