Slow Proto 2000 S1 loco

[Anonymous]

I just bought an S1 Ho loco buy Proto. The engine moves very slow. After a while the engine goes a little faster but no where as fast as it should,and forget about pulling freight. Anyboby have any ideas how to fix it before i take it back. Thanks John

[Anonymous]

Don't fix it! That may void your warranty. If it is indeed brand new, take it back for a check up at the shop where you got it and/or return to Life Like.

The Proto 2000 engines are great, but there is the occasional lemon. Must have been assembled Monday morning after the Superbowl party.... [;)]

Andrew

[Anonymous]

Concur with masonjar

[nfmisso]

Take a look at the test report in MR, and you will note that the S1 is geared to run very slowly, like 1/3 the speed of an Athearn. It is a light switcher (660hp), competitor to the EMD SW1. The real things only move a few cars on the level, they are not heavy freight locomotives.

[AntonioFP45]

JCB3

Your switcher is geared low to run at the same scale speed as the prototypes. Most prototype Alco and EMD switcers peaked from 40 to 50 mph (correct me if I'm wrong) and the EMD switchers that in later years could hit 60 mph had high gear ratios and were equipped with Flexicoil trucks. So 40 scale mph on a model railroad might look very slow to us, especially if we have the powerpack "wide open".

[;)]It is still a good a idea to have your unit checked out to make sure it is running properly.

[BRAKIE]

That Alco switcher is a very slow running engine and I consider it the best switcher made as far as slow switching speeds..

[Anonymous]

Aside from its 'scale gearing', consider it is a new engine and needs to run in. Also it may need a bit of lubrication in the gear train.

If you dont feel competent to disassemble the engine to check, I'd say take it to your LHS and consult them.

Randy

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys you were right. I went back to Trainland and the engine was tested by them and they tried others and they all ran the same.