Getting My Bachmann Acela To Run

[alloboard]

     I have a HO Bachmann Acela  Trainset I powered the dummy unit by ordering powered trucks, metal frame, for weight and can motors. I have a Digitrax SD164D installed in both of them. Over a year ago I installed the decoders in both the Acela locomotives and I set themup for Multiple Unit operation with my Digitrax DB150 and they worked perfectly. Now I tried running them up again in MU mode but the wont even bulge. I used my DT402D throttle to release them in MU mode to run them independently. At fist they would not move but after I tried several times, they started jerking and moving very slowly then smoother and eventually faster. I now assume that they will eventually resume normal operation and I can join both of them to run in mu mode again. Why did that incident happen earlier?

[rrinker]

 Not running consisted would tend to eliminate the idea that 2 are figting one another. Slow, jerky movement is more likely a sign of dirty wheel, pickups, or track. Or lack of lubricant. Or too much lubricant (more likely with Bachmann) that has gummed up in the gears.

I'm not sure about the commonly accepted idea that two locos consisted with BEMF turned on will fight one another to the point of buckign like a pair of broncos - I've consisted pairs of Proto Geeps with DH163L0 decoders, and also a pair with TCS T-1 decoders (the newer ones with BEMF) and neither would buck and fight - the TCS pair got many hours of running over a week long show pulling 40+ cars, too. My Stewart FT-A has a TCS decoder, the B unit has a Tsunami, both have BEMF, they run nicely together as well.

                   --Randy

[jrbernier]

  I think dirty/coroded wheels/motor contacts are the issue.  BEMF can cause a problem if you have it turned up too high(like cruise control) - if they are set to factory defaults, I see no problem.

Jim

[alloboard]

You guys might be right. It's probably loose track connections and little lubricant put together.