Good find!
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
FRRYKidThe piece of metal that was laid down to feed power on Athearn BB frames was a bit long and seemed to be shorting the engine out. Removed it and the engine works just fine.
Good job locating the cause of your problems.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Unfortunately shortly after I wrote that post, I found that the drive runs fine but when I put the shell on it still shorts out. I even tried removing the front coupler in case that was causing problems. Didn't work. If it helps any this is an Athearn BB SD40-2. The only thing I can think of is that something is catching when the shell is attached. Just out of curiosity, what is the correct diameter of the flywheel for a stock 40-2? I had one other drive (not a 40-2) that had flywheel that were too big for the shell.
I can't answer the flywheel question.
Have you tried removing the headlight bracket and see if the problem persists?
SeeYou190 Have you tried removing the headlight bracket and see if the problem persists? -Kevin
I couldn't slide the bracket out but I did bent the assembly so that it wasn't contacting anything. That seems to have solved it. Now the next question: How do I light the loco if the stock light doesn't work?
FRRYKid How do I light the loco if the stock light doesn't work?
I prefer to relocate the bulbs in my Athearn locomotives so they do not light the cab, but just the headlight.
You just need one wire to the frame, and one wire to that metal clip on the trucks or motor.
I am going to try LEDs on my next one, but like everything else right now, that will be a way into the future.