So at first the GS-6 was having problems with the first diver coming off on corners even on 32's, so I went to the place I got a from a few weeks ago and they made a call to MTH and MTH said they would sent a new draw bar pin and that should fix the problem. So this last week I made my way back over Stevens Pass when the pin came in, with in 10 sec's the new pin was on and I went on my way, now I did not think this new pin would do the trick so I was hesitant on running it for a few days. well at about 1 AM I had nothing to do and not being able to sleep I put here on the tracks and tuned the volume off so I would not wake anyone.She ran FINE! For the first time she was going around no problem to I tuned her off and tuned up the volume a little bit and gave her a little power, the start up sound came on and I started to run it BUT NOT MORE CHUFFS!!! NO SQUEAKING BRAKES!!! How did it lose its sound's... I am starting to get fed up with all the small problems, I almost just want to send it back.
Thanks for any help
Zane.
Hi Zane,
I need some more info on what happened. When you turned to sounds off did you simply start running without hitting F3, turn the engine sounds off with F6, adjust the global volume with F7, or turn down the volume knob on the tender? It's going to make a difference when you want sounds back.
From what you described I suspect the engine sounds (the chuffing and steam generator sounds) were turned of with F6. Try pressing F6 again and if that doesn't do it try pressing F7 a few times. F7 cycles through 9 global volume levels.
I turned now the tender volume knob down all the way. (I do not have DCCorDCS) The odd thing about it is that there are the steam generator sounds when you start it up but thats as far as it go's, the sound is on but its not reading that the weel's are moving and they are also being jerky when rolling. Yes they are doing it in the same spot each rev.
Thanks Dave
Zane
There's an outside chance that something has gone wrong with the optical tach reader that does the speed control. However, I'm going to bet that the problem is in the drawbar pin that you just had replaced. That would explain both the loss of chuff and the baulky performance. There are two electrical contacts that are built into the drawbar and the mating pin. They transmit the tach reader data to the sound board in the tender. I'll bet the that the shop screwed up something when they worked on it.
BTW, where did you buy the engine on this side of the mountains? Was it Eastside Trains? If so, who worked on the engine, Bob or Burt?
Hmm... wow odd I did not think the pin did so much! Yes it was Eastside Trains, I think it was Bob that worked on it. Any Idea on what to do?
I'm in Anchorage right now working on a layout but I'm headed home tonight. I'll give Bob a call and see if he remebers how it goes together. I have a GS-4 but haven't had cause to open it up. I do remember that the design of the drawbar and pin has changed from the K4. Give me a day or two and I'll get back to you, hopefully with something to try.
Someone posted a less than positive review of this engine over at BLI's forum. You might want to read it to see what other issues have cropped up.
Hey Dave
I tryed running it to day once more and the weels are not hesitating in the same spot so its not binding up on anything and the track current is droping when it hesitates, plus its taking almost dubble to run it at normal speed.
I talked with Bob last night about your engine. He remembered working on it but didn't remember any of the wiring when he changed the drawbar mounting screw. I've got to take a look at my GS-4, but I'm thinking he night have nicked one of the two wires going down to the draw bar. You might try removing the screw and inspecting the wires.
Hey
Sorry its taken me a bit to get back to you... it all seems fine, I dont know I guess I am just going to have them send it back next time I am over there.
Let me know when you come over again. I'd like to see your engine before Bob sends it back. I'm working on building a layout that's about 15 minutes from Eastside Trains so I can meet you there pretty easily.
(206) 920-9647
Ok sounds good but it may be a bit I just got a job up on Stevens but I will call when I get over there.