Athearn GP60M problems

[wt259]

I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar problems with this loco? I put a decoder in one of mine the other day and fired it up. It ran like something was holding it back, the plow was too low, hit every frog in every turnout around the layout. After about the 4th time around the 150' or so of mainline, it just quit, headlights went out, and the shell felt warm to the touch. [xx(] I think something is binding, but after removing the shell, i can't see anything. Any thoughts? It was running on a DH120 on a Digitrax DB150 and DT400 throttle. Thanks for any help.
Wayne

[cacole]

It sounds like you bent something out ot shape during decoder installation, or the decoder is pushing down on the front of the locomotive and causing it to sag. Take the shell off and see if the front returns to its normal position. You may need to relocate the decoder. Some of the newer Athearn locomotives require resistors in the light circuits because Athearn uses 1.5 volts bulbs. The Digitrax decoder documentation should mention this. If it doesn't, check the Digitrax Web site for installation tips.

I'm not familiar with the locomotive you put the decoder into. Is it Athearn Blue Box, Genesis, or Ready-to-Run?

I had a really hard time installing decoders into Athearn Genesis SD-70 models because the headlights, rear lights, and ditch lights all used 1.5 Volt bulbs that had to be replaced.

[wt259]

It's the Athearn R-T-R GP60M from the the RPP shell. They updated the fans, window glass, new side frames. I'll check under the hood again, the JST plug was a tight fit, I may have pushed a little too hard. Thanks.
Wayne