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Engine won’t move in reverse

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  • Member since
    February 2020
  • 31 posts
Posted by know2go on Monday, April 27, 2020 10:18 AM

Must be a wiring issue. There shouldn't be any surprizes in converting to LEDs. I converted a few locos including Athearns. However, could also be a programming issue, because using LED required changing some CVs.

I usually create a wiring diagram which I follow for physical wiring. And a list of CVs which I change from defaults. Its easier to troubleshoot when you have a visual reference.

Its a bit more work, yes. But in the end I find this is the fastest way to find a problem.

Good luck!

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, April 25, 2020 1:18 PM

 Very strange, but that COULD possibly happen if there is a diode or LED in series with the motor - current would only get to the motor in one direction. But that would require a really major goof in the wiring, since there would be no reason to touch the motor wires when changing the lights for LEDs. 

 Would be obvious, too - is there a new LED light that only comes on if the loco moves forward?

                                     --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, April 25, 2020 1:11 PM

Mac49
I just replaced the bulbs with LEDs. it now runs fine going forward, but will not move in reverse.

If it ran well before, that would be a very odd failure mode for the decoder.  I'd look for something mechanical.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Saturday, April 25, 2020 1:04 PM

How much throttle do you give it?  If just a little, say as much to get it moving forward, you may have worn gears that require a bit more V-Start.  I don't really think this could be the case, but I ask in the event that you have only given it two or three speeds steps and it still doesn't move.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, April 24, 2020 9:07 PM

Does the sound system work in reverse?  How about the lights?

I have a BLI Hudson with a similar problem.  It would run in reverse, but running in forward was at best hesitant, at worst non-existent.

I took it apart, and found the gear coming out of its motor was slipping on its shaft.  A drop of CA fixed it.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    March 2018
  • 6 posts
Engine won’t move in reverse
Posted by Mac49 on Friday, April 24, 2020 8:21 PM

This is an Athearn Genesis locomotive with a Tsunami2 replacement decoder. I just replaced the bulbs with LEDs. it now runs fine going forward, but will not move in reverse. i have reset the decoder to no avail. Anyone have any ideas?

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