If this is one of the Bachmann trainset type power packs they really do not put out a lot of Amps so it very well could be the power pack. To convert to DCC they each should run less than 1.25 amps at stall. (When they stall under load- hold it till they stall) This can be checked with a multi meter- you can get one cheap at Harbor Freight (If you luck out a lot of times there is even a coupon for one free with purchase.) You are right in these being a rare locomotive only Pensy, New York Central, B&O, EJ&E and second hand Delaware and Hudson had them. A few months ago at an estate sale I found an operators manual for one from the B&O- that must have been rare as they only had 19 A's and 12 B's.
Jim
Hobbytown is still in business .The new owner bought the line from Bear locomotive. He is doing a very nice job with the line although I don't see a specific mention of the Sharks I would guess the FA Chassis drive would work. You can contact the owner for guidance. These are very nice running units ,I have quite a few.They are fun to build and really not difficult .
https://hobbytownofboston.com/?page_id=61
Ron High
to the forum. Your first 10 posts are moderated but there is no reason why you can't post pictures. Well, people who refuse to follow the directions in the sticky can't post pictures.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/249194.aspx
While you are new here, you don't sound new to MR. Can you run 3 other engines with that power pack? If so, it doesn't sound like a power pack problem. MRC power packs are pretty sturdy and available inexpensively on Ebay, if that is your problem.
Newer engines draw less power than some of the older engines. I have no specific knowledge about Bachmann and their motor draw. Some Bachmann engines had pancake motors, but I did see a reference to Roco motors in some shark noses. Also some HO Bachmann's engines, like the GP30 had split frames.
I have converted old (80''s) Stewart and Atlas engines. It is doable, but changing to led's is recommended, and find space for a speaker can be a problem. You could remotor the engines, but now you are getting to even more expense.
I don't see a Bachmann shark nose, but the ones I do see on ebay have no add on details other than horns, which is typical of locos 30 years ago, where all details were molded on.
Still if shark noses float your boat, you could consider doing some or all of the above.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
to the Model Railroader forums. Your first few posts are delayed by the moderators, but please stick it out and join us. The moderation will end soon enough.
.
It sounds like you have some locomotives with a pretty heavy thirst for electrical current. Some power packs just are not up to that kind of amperage load.
The best choice is to replace the drives on these locmotives. I have heard of people using the Proto 2,000 FA drive under Shark shells, but I have no experience with this conversion, so I will leave any comment on that to those with experience.
You might also need to upgrade your power supply.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I have a one and a dummy it runs great on a MRC 9500.
Russell
Sounds like you have three power hogs there for some reason. Since those engines have been around for some time, you might want to break them down and check for any stiffness or binding in the trucks and drive. Old grease in the trucks can get pretty stiff over the years (even harden) which would place an excessive load on the motor(s).
A good cleaning and some fresh lubrication would probably do wonders.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Whoa. Topic started 11 years ago has been necroed multiple times; only on MR forums!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
riogrande5761 Whoa. Topic started 11 years ago has been necroed multiple times; only on MR forums!
HJR (his first post BTW) acknowledges that on his revival post.