Hi!
In testing out the lower level of my under construction HO layout, I found that one of my two BLI Paragon RSD-15s was displaying erratic behaviour during slow movements over Atlas code 100 turnouts.
I've got the problem narrowed down to the fact that one side of the truck on the short hood end is not picking up juice. This has been validated with a connectivity tester.
I wrote BLI for advice on fixing it myself but have not yet heard from them. Frankly, I don't want to send this to them and lose it for 6 weeks.
Sooo, I was wondering if any of you have experience with this loco and could advise me on the best way to remove the shell, and if there are any peculiarities in the wiring that I should be aware of, etc., etc.
Thanks,
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I got a sweet ebay deal (really SWEET) on an AB F3 set. When it arrived, I found out why. The A unit stalled on switches and the sound and motor control would cut out periodically. I opened it up, and after testing the continuity from each wheel to the motor leads, found the pickup lead to the brass plate on one side of the front truck had broken. I took the truck apart, freed the brass plate, which is also the bearing for the axles, stripped and tinned the lead, and soldred it back. I'm glad I didn't rely on a visual, because there must have been some of the insulation sticking to the plate, as it looked like it was attached.The whole thing took about 45 minutes total, and saved me almost half of the going ebay discount price.
If I remember correctly, the sideframes were a bit of a bear to remove and replace.
Good luck.
Hi,
Thanks for your experience.
I got some info from BLI as to how to remove the shell. Actually, it was very simple, just remove the two coupler boxes and spread the shell. Removal of the truck in question was not much of a problem, and pulling the bottom piece off allowed the sideframes to be removed.
Yes, one of the wires was broken from the solder joint, and the other one came off once I put a little stress on it.
I can obviously fix it, but I need to replace the wires as they are just a tad too short. But, the smallest gauge stranded wire I can find in my "stuff" is about 50% heavier than what I need.
Hopefully BLI will send me some - and/or I can buy some "somewhere".