New Proto 2000 won't run--HELP

[Anonymous]

Recently, I purchased a new Proto 2000 E6 from an online store. When I received it, two lift rings were broken and the engine wouldn't run. To clarify, the lights lighted perfectly but the motor wouldn’t turn. In order to test the engine, I cleaned the track, "spun" the flywheel, and eventually put power straight to the trucks with no results except operating headlights. I sent the engine back to Life-Like, which promptly sent back a new shell, the old chassis and a NEW chassis. Much to my dismay, neither engine runs, but both light. Has this happened to anyone else? Any suggestions, tricks, something (even a suggestion from a similar problem with a different manufacturer)! I would call myself a long-time beginner/intermediate modeler; by posting this message, I have had to swallow my pride. Having bought the train from an online source, however, I don't know where else to turn. Should I send the engine back to Life-Like?

Thanks in advance, David

[Anonymous]

No pride should be lost. Anyway, Does the loco have a DCC chip on it? I don't know too much about proto 2K's and DCC but it's a thought.

Jeremy

[Anonymous]

check and make sure all the wires are conatacting what they are suposed to. That's all i can think of.

[willy6]

pull the shell off,put it on the track,juice it and see if there is voltage/amps to the motor and finally don't buy model railroad stuff on line....................i know........my butt still hurts!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by willy6

pull the shell off,put it on the track,juice it and see if there is voltage/amps to the motor and finally don't buy model railroad stuff on line....................i know........my butt still hurts!

As with any transaction, whether it be online or a telephone order, with a model railroad shop or with Sears, always find out the return policy of the seller. If you don't like what you see in the policy, don't buy with them. Most retailers, online included, want your business and want you to be satisfied with your purchase. After all, each satisfied customer will tell 3 other potential customers - but each dissatisfied customer will tell 9 other potential customers. For the most part, I've been pretty satisfied with the products I've bought online. All of the sellers were upfront and honest about the stuff they were selling. If you find a seller who isn't, by all means, give them negative feedback (especially if it's on eBay).

If you still cannot determine the cause after troubleshooting, then:

I would try contacting the seller and asking what the return policy is. I'd describe what I had done with regards to troubleshooting the item. Another thought would be to return it to LifeLike, with a letter describing exactly what the problem is, what you've done to troubleshoot it, and what you would like LifeLike to do about it. They may say that they'll fix/replace the loco (likely, given their first action), or they may tell you to take it up with the seller (unlikely - LifeLike wants your business, too)..

[Anonymous]

dveens1
It seems odd that both units returned to you from Life/Like do the same thing.
Do the motors humm when the lights light? If they do check to see that your power supply is supplying DC.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestions regarding online retailers; I understood the risk, yet, this item was not available at local stores. The loco does not have a DCC chip, and when powered, the motor does not hum. Ultimately, I will contact Life-Like and the seller again. My hope was that there was something simple that I missed and could "save face" before recontacting the appropriate parties. Thus far, I'm not seeing it.

[Anonymous]

I have a Proto 2000 GP9II that reacted in a similar way. When I took the shell off I discovered that one of the wires had shorted to the frame. I moved the wire, insulated it and tried it out on the layout. Ran like a champ. Recently the loco started to act up again. Symptoms were similar. This time the wires were ok and the problem was not electrical. I then noticed that the front geared driver was locked. I removed it and the plastic gear on the driver was deformed and would occasionally jam and prevent the motor from turning. I bought a new driver set from Life-Like for $1.50 put it in the loco and it now runs like new. Hope this helps. Good luck...

[Anonymous]

I would continue to deal directly with LL. They will bend over backwards
to correct THEIR problem.

[Anonymous]

It is really nice to see all you folks try to help this young man. My experience with model railroad folks is that they clearly want to help others even if there is no profit to them. Just another encouragement to stay with model railroading for a hobby. Thanks, guys. I wish I could provide some advice, but what you have given so far is great.