Need some help re: power for RC 4020

[Telvis]

Just bought 4020 this weekend on craigslist and can't get the battery pack to fit in tight enough. If I hold it in all the way, it works fine, but that won't work on the tracks. So, the contacts are working, but even bending the tabs out on the chassis did not help.

Would love additional advice if you have any more. I read the earlier posts from November regarding a similar problem.

Thanks,

Tad

[Telvis]

I appreciate the number of folks who have looked at my post, but would love to know if a) you all have nothing more to add, b) my description of the problem was unclear and/or confusing, or c) other...

My four-year-old and I really want to get this train running. 

Thanks!

[Knight Train]

Here's a couple of things to try:

increase the depth of the contacts on the battery pack with a conductor (pun intended) like aluminium foil. take care not to create the opportunity for a short circuit as it will get VERY hot and melt the plastic by taping it to the bottom or something like that.

use stiff paper to wedge the battery pack tightly into the holder.

try a different battery pack.

[Telvis]

Have tried two different fully charged packs. It definitely seems to be the conductors. Bent them out for more access but no luck. Also tried the wedge idea early on, but can't get it tight enough.

Will try the foil idea...

THANKS!

[gloobey]

It's an educated guess, but it sounds like a short. Have you considered rewiring the connectors?

[reylocann]

 

I have exactly the same problem with my 4020...the battery sort of "pops out" a bit or doesn't stay put inside the casing and fails to make contact.  Haven't come up with a solution yet.....  It's almost as if the contacts inside are "pushing" the battery out.  A piece of electrical tape will hold it in place but it's very unattractive...  It is almost as if it's a design flaw, but other PM trains use the same system....

Reylocann

[Walts-Trains]

Which battery packs are you trying to use the old black one or the new grey one?

[reylocann]

  Walts-Trains

Thanks for responding!!!

I am still using the original battery [4392].    I don't remember having any trouble with it when it was new... [that would have been 10-12 years ago]. Before I closed my store [and access to wholesale prices  ] I purchased a replacement [4220]  and it actually does the same thing.
**The two batteries are virtually identical - not sure why they have two different product numbers. 

It's very curious that someone else is experiencing the same issue. 
I have "taped" the battery pack in and when I do that I have no problems with conductivity, etc.  The train runs fine in both forward and reverse.  It just doesn't want to stay in on its own anymore.

I actually just got the set running again after many years in the basement.  I was having difficulty with the conductivity but cleaned all the contacts [there was oxidization on them] and now it's just a matter of figuring out why the battery doesn't want to stay put.

Your thoughts and suggestions are very much appreciated!!! 

Reylocann

[Walts-Trains]

First 4392 were only 950mAh and the later one 1200mAh. The first one fully charged lasted about 50 minutes and the second about 80 minutes on a full charge.
On the battery at the bottom i.e. the flat side there is a catch just after the finger holder. Check that this is free as it should catch into the battery holder on the loco. If this dose not catch in the battery will spring out particularly if the loco in going round at speed with the battery on the outside.
I have a list of hints and tips for the R.C. trains and if you would like a copy please email me your address or email address and I will send you one.
My email address is Turner.Gellilydan@btinternet.com mark the email Hint for R.C. Trains

[Telvis]

This is all great info. So nice to know I am not alone. Thanks, all!

Happy Easter!