I have a two truck shay with maybe 4 hours total run time, spaced a couple of years apart. When I set it up this year (Christmas), the wheels would turn but it would not move unless I put my finger (gently) on the stack to give it some added weight. Needless to say, I only tried that 3 times, for maybe 2 feet of running.
I called my local hobby store and was told I probably needed to return it to Bachmann.
Is this good advice? Do these things go bad sitting in the box?
Thanks.
I guess this is On30 or HO. Probably not DCC.
There was not much info.
Clean the track and wheels first. Don't assume looks clean means, is clean.
Use a lint free cloth and alcohol on the track. Q tips and alcohol on the wheels. I believe there are sliding contacts where power is transmitted from the trucks up into the loco wiring where the frame sits onto the trucks.
"Maybe" a cracked gear issue as some of these have had that happen.
Rich
Sorry. It is On30, Item No. 25663, T-Boiler Two Truck Shay. Not DCC.
I had sanded the tracks lightly and had success running HO diesels and the little Bachmann Clinton train, but not this.
Having just read the postings on cleaning track (below), I see I made a beginners mistake there.
Quote from: Sockeye on February 21, 2011, 08:10:13 PM
Sorry. It is On30, Item No. 25663, T-Boiler Two Truck Shay. Not DCC.
I had sanded the tracks lightly and had success running HO diesels and the little Bachmann Clinton train, but not this.
Having just read the postings on cleaning track (below), I see I made a beginners mistake there.
Ok, I found the link I mentioned before. Look at the two contacts that transmit power up into the loco electronics. A set on each truck. Something to consdier if a loco has been sitting for a while.
http://www.all-model-railroading.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=4677
Rich
Thank you, Rich. I will look at that connection problem area. The images are helpful on that site, but I would not want to take it apart like that.