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Baffled on this

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  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,280 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Monday, October 14, 2013 3:38 AM

Soo Line fan

Rich,

I have several reasons why my PMs are disabled. 

Nuts, there are times that I would rather communicate privately than publicly on certain issues.

It is possible to only allow PMs from forum Friends.

Let me know if you reconsider at some point.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Culpeper, Va
  • 8,204 posts
Posted by IRONROOSTER on Sunday, October 13, 2013 11:42 PM

Sounds like your switch is going bad.  I don't know if that's user serviceable or not (probably not).  But you can wire in a dpdt switch between your pack outputs and the track and use that for your reversing switch.  Then just leave your pack set for the forward direction which seems to still work.  It'll also save additional wear on the packs reversing switch.

Good luck

Paul

If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Detroit, Michigan
  • 2,284 posts
Posted by Soo Line fan on Sunday, October 13, 2013 7:42 PM

richhotrain

Jim,

You should turn on your Private Message feature so you can receive PM's.

Rich

Rich,

I have several reasons why my PMs are disabled.  For one, at work I am subjected to IMs, emails, and also customer help requests. Then there is personal email and VM to deal with. So, the last thing I need are more messages.

Another reason is I was once the recipient of some IMs from a couple of the forum psychopaths. So, I prefer not to have the feature turned on.

And absolutely no disrespect to you or others.

Jim

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Canada
  • 1,745 posts
Posted by JeremyB on Sunday, October 13, 2013 7:26 PM

Just noticed that when I push the direction switch over, if I give it a slight push down as I slide the switch it seems to have helped. I will keep doing that and see what happens. Like I was saying if this one dies I have a older one for a backup for now until I can figure out what way to go next. I see MRC is coming out with a new line of DC packs. Id like to go DCC but that would be alot of converting of older locomotives.

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Canada
  • 1,745 posts
Posted by JeremyB on Sunday, October 13, 2013 7:13 PM

Thanks for the tips guys, never thought of the light bulb test.

Yeah it does it with more then one of my loco's. I have a older Tech 4, should give that a go.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,280 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, October 13, 2013 6:32 PM

Soo Line fan

Does the headlight stay on during this problem? Does it do it on more than one locomotive?

Jim,

You should turn on your Private Message feature so you can receive PM's.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Sunday, October 13, 2013 5:06 PM

Jeremy,

I have a feeling that it may be your Tech 4 also. Is there a way for you to test the output,with a meter? Like a multimeter. Test fixed output, AC/DC,should be 16 to 20 volts and test DC variable output,starting at zero and see if it goes up when move the throttle slowly,not jerky and no dead spots and then jump up..If possible,try to do that when you experience,the problem. The dirt problem you mention,could actually be in your pot. on your throttle.

Cheers, Drinks

Frank

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Detroit, Michigan
  • 2,284 posts
Posted by Soo Line fan on Sunday, October 13, 2013 4:35 PM

Does the headlight stay on during this problem? Does it do it on more than one locomotive?

Jim

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 7,486 posts
Posted by ndbprr on Sunday, October 13, 2013 4:19 PM
Sounds like the tech 4 to me. I would attach a light bulb in place of the track leads. It should light in either direction.
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Canada
  • 1,745 posts
Baffled on this
Posted by JeremyB on Sunday, October 13, 2013 3:58 PM

Hi Guys,

I have been having this problem for a while and have been trying to narrow it down.

I can run a loco fine, stop it go to reverse it and then its dead, wont move at all. I then flip the reverse switch again and it will run in the previous direction mentioned. Try to repeat the steps and same thing??? If I tunr off the power to the back and turn it back on everything runs fine.

The thing is I can run trains for 10 minutes,10 days, 10 weeks before the problem might show itself again? I for the life of me cant figure it out?

Sometimes when a loco acts "dead" If I crank on the throttle it will take off like a f1 car. The throttle im using is a MRC Tech 4 260. Would any of you guys have any idea as to what could be causing this?

Thanks

Jeremy

Could it be dirty commutators on the locs's by anychance?

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