Finally recieved by back-ordered Atlas Gold HH660. The engine has a problem where it will run fine with all sounds a lights then suddenly stops moving and sound and lights turn off. This is flat track, very clean, NOT on a switch. My other sound equipped locos run on the same section of track with no problems. If I wiggle the shell the loco turns on/off/on/off then suddenly starts, runs a few minutes then stops again. I notice that if I slide the loco on the track after one of these dead stops via pushing on the trucks it won't start, but if I tap the shell lightly it sputters on and off. I think there is a bad connection in the loco, and not a DCC programming problem, because of these symptoms. Anyone else had this problem? Any advice? I don't want to take the shell off of this unit and risk damaging it. Sounds like I'll have to return it under warranty. Thanks.
It sounds like a loose wire, either on one of the trucks or the circuit board. That's one of the problems with the new, cheap assembly methods being used in China wherein all the wires are held in place with a small plastic slip-on clip that easily slips off during shipment.
The first thing I do to nearly every new model now is remove the shell and solder all of the wire connections once I've finished a test run.
If you don't want to risk breaking anything when you take the shell off, your only alternative is to return it to Atlas for a replacement or repair, but you'll have to pay for the shipping.
Thanks for the reply. Maybe I will try disassembly.
Karle,
I can only assume that your track is "very clean" because you've stated it being so. With that said, I have noticed that my Atlas HH600/660 switcher is more sensitive to dirty track; more than some of my other locomotives.
Unless you cleaned your track yesterday, you may want to take some 91% alcohol and a lent-free rag and run it over your track first anyhow before disassembling your locomotive. My Atlas HH600/600 exhibited some of the same issues that you outlined above and it turned out to be all track-related - i.e. dirty track.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
One other thing to do is clean the wheels. Even new locos can come with crud on the wheels.
Joe