PLEASE someone help me!!!
I bought a Rivarossi Big Boy 4-8-8-4 Model# HR2099 recently with DCC and sound. The engine is everything that I expected for detail and I love DCC now that I have it. The only problem I noticed so far is that the electrical pickups are staggered between all axles. Starting at the front: the guide wheels and first set of drivers are "positive" polarity only and the second set of drivers and rear guide wheels are "negative" polarity.
I thought that the electrical pickups would be on every axle similar to all the diesel locomotives that I own NOT staggered in this manner.
The problem is that the locomotive frequently loses power and causes the DCC to restart and therefore the locomotive doesn't move more than a few inches and will not go around corners or the straights.
My trackwork is new, soldered and the DC locomotives run perfect. I also tried the Big Boy in DC mode with the same results of restarting and stalling so I know the problem is power pickup related.
I was going to make my own pickup system for the drivers so that they will always get power but first I want to make sure this is normal for a brand new $350 Rivarossi steam locomotive before I try to fix it myself or send it back to the place of purchase so that I can buy a different brand with "true" pickups on each axle (if there is such a manufacturer)
DOES ANYONE KNOW IF ATHEARN OR ANY OTHER MANUFACTURER OFFERS A BIG BOY WITH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE PICKUPS ON SOME IF NOT ALL AXLES?????
THANK YOU for any help!!!
--Monty81
A review of that engine in IIRC Model Railroad News last year pointed out the pick-up problem. The reviewer noted that it had trouble going thru some turnouts on his test track.
The new Hornby/ Rivarossi's don't use MRC decoders they use LokSound 3.5 sound decoders. i have two of them and they don't get used hardly ever any more but the only problem I had was running them through turnouts at low prototypical yard speed 5mph and that was not the fault of the locomotive but rather the non powered frogs. I cured that problem and other stalling issues by using the Hex Frog Juicer from TAM Valley Depot.
Granted they can't hold a candle to my Trix Big boy but the two combined don't cost as much so there has to be a trade off some where.
Thank You to everyone for the advice and input.
I did some research before the purchase but I didn't search the Model railroader forums or site thoroghly -- oh well, hope I can return it or I will have to modify my Big Boy.
* March 2012 update *
RE: Big Boy electrical issue - Solved Quickly - Very Satisfied!
I just purchased the new Hornby Rivarossi Big Boy HR2358 Cab 4017. I also experienced electrical issues when first put on the track. It would cycle up, start to move, interrupt, reset run a little and repeat. I checked all connections and contacts. When the problem continued I asked my Local hobby shop owner if he had a number of someone at Hornby I could call. He gave me the card of his Hornby Sales rep.
To save time I shot this person an email explaining the issue.
1. I recieved a response email within hours. When I he indicated that a tech from the west coast would be contacting me by the afternoon.
2. As promised the tech called me within 3 hours from that email. He explained that they've identified a "power hog" with some of the new chips. Basically meaning that the some of the newer installed chips would draw too much power and overload the system. A new chip would have to be swapped out. He explained the process clearly. Believing I could manage this myself instead of sending in the locomotive he said he would ship a replacement chip immediately.
3. The new chip arrived within days. 3 careful screws to remove the boiler cover. The chip was easy to remove and install the new one. Replaced the boiler cover. Tested loco. Works perfectly.
4. I recognize we're talking about miniature and electrical, defects or bugs can happen. I was impressed by the quick and professional assistance provided by Hornby/Rivarossi. Now I'm happy to say I'm really enjoying my new big boy. Thanks!