Hi, all ... newbie here. I purchased a Bachmann EMD GP38-2 locomotive (UP 2012, HO scale) last month. It is DCC equipped.
I'm building my first layout, and have put together a few sections of track, powered by an old DC transformer by way of alligator clips.
I put the first bit of trackwork together, using old Atlas track and turnouts that I got from my dad. Locomotive worked just fine.
Last week, I replaced the old Atlas turnouts with new Peco Electrofrogs. No new wiring, still using the transformer and clips. The locomotive took one run through the layout, and now it won't run at all.
The light will come on, but no motion, either forward or back.
I've tried putting the locomotive on a single length of track (not connected to any other track or turnouts), and it still won't run.
One of dad's old steam locomotives (DC) runs just fine on the layout.
So, what I have I done to my brand-new Bachmann locomotive? And is there a way to fix it?
Many thanks.
Oh geez, I figured it out 15 minutes after I wrote this post. All is well.
Well, someone else might encounter the same problem. Fill us in on the solution.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
The Bachmann run out of the box on DC. I suspect you did not know you have to set the speed controller quite a bit higher than when using a DC only loco. The microprocessor on the decoder requires at least five volts to just wake up and a couple more volts for the loco to start moving
Also, you might be interested that there are Bachmann forums with parts, repair pages, company reps, etc.
I cannot post the link here. Powers That Be will delete the link.
Google bachmann forums.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Steven, I'm afraid I'll be run out of the hobby! But I guess this is how we learn!
- stopped working (after more investigation, only in certain sections of the track) because I replaced the old Atlas turnouts with the Peco Electrofrogs -- didn't really understand the difference between live frogs and dead ones. Since I'm using the old DC transformer and alligator clips, throwing the turnout switch sent the power to the other track.
- even when I put the loco on a test track, it didn't work -- lights wouldn't even come on. That's because the transformer's power switch was off. I had pushed the "direction" switch when I thought I'd pushed the power switch. Classic red herring!
I put a connecting track between the two "legs" of track that the turnout switch was messing up. Now the alligator clips get juice to all the tracks and I've learned a little bit about turnouts!
tburton1004,
I'd check the track connections, mabye one has a gap that need to be pushed back in. Then try running your locomotive again.
Welcome.
Your answer says you will have to pay attention to track, buss, feeder wiring. DCC locos are sensitive to any power interruptions. A DC loco can essentially coast over a bad spot but not a DCC powered loco.
The below site should help a lot if you have not seen it before.
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm
Another thought. The on board non sound decoders are basic Lenz the last I knew. The DCC CV list is at the Bachmann forums. Pretty basic decoder.
Do you have a DCC system yet? If not, stay away from the Bachmann EZ Command. It cannot modify CV's. You can program the loco number and run a couple locos but not much else. It will not reset a decoder to factory specs.