I recently bought an Athearn Genesis SD45-2 with DCC/Sound at a train show. I got around to testing it, and noticed that it doesn't want to move forwards/backwards. It will respond to all of the basic functions (bell, horn, mute, etc etc.) but it will not move.
However, I did notice that it will make a slightly audible buzz when it tries to move, so I assume that there is something wrong with the wiring between the decoder and the motor, but I'm not entirely sure.
Update: Someone at my local model railroad club was having the same problem with his Athearn diesels and he said it was dried grease in the gears, so I am gonna check that first.
I'm guessing that you are using DCC? Sheldon, this weekend was saying that Genesis has a great reputation, unlike gears in old Proto locos.
The first thing I would do is try a reset. Not sure what decoder you have, generally set CV8 to 8. Cycle the power off then back on.
Timonium has a test track for show purchases. Is that unique to Timonium?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Yes I am using DCC. It wont move in either DCC or DC.
I tried a reset and still didn't change anything.
It sounds more of a mechanical situation. Can you remove the hood, try it, and watch, listen, and smell? Have tried to nudge it along? Can you pick up on end while the other makes contact to track, and see if it wants to move?
The brass contact strips that on each side of the trucks, where the axles make contact, for electrical, need to be clean and free.
There are many places to start, including the complete drive train. Has it been sitting long? is it new old stock? never been run?
Mike.
My You Tube
I change my vote for drive train. Pull the shell. Turning the flywheels should turn the wheels. If the flywheel doesn't turn, don't force it. In the case of my Proto 2000, besides broken gears, the bearings at the worm gear where siezed to the shaft by dried grease. A little alcohol freed them up.
Sorry for the late response. New job kept me occupied with other things.
Just got around to fixing it today. I looked at the gears on the wheels and cleaned any grease off of them, and then I tried turning the flywheel. It was able to turn fairly easy. I put it on the track after a few turns and it runs fine now
All right!