I bought a Spectrum 2-10-0 a while back and am debating sending it in to Bachmann. I would like to fix it myself if possible. Here is the problem. It shorts the track. Any ideas on how to fix this would be great. Has anyone had a problem like this? Thank you.
DCC. It shorts with the decoder or the DC plug. I just got it to run for a couple feet and then there was a big spark by the drivers. Thanks..
It sounds like either one or more wires are crossed, there is a foreign metallic object (track pin etc) or a pair of drivers have been reversed. Remove the decoder for safety and refit the original 8 pin plug to see if the problem can be cured without risking the decoder. If you hard wired the decoder (I did), you will need to attach the 2 pickup wires (red and black) to the 2 motor wires (orange and grey). Unfortunately, if memory serves, Bachmann have their own colour coding - orange or orange. If the problem is mechanical, the problem will persist and we can try to solve it. If not, then the loco should work perfectly, meaning that the problem is probably with the wiring or worse, the decoder. Jon
John, Thanks for the info. The the original 8 pin plug is in place. I took the bottom plate off. It looks like I have sucessfully overlubed again. I am cleaning with a paintbrush dipped in 71% I A. Also using a small cloth and q-tips. Checking the bend on the pickups, One was bent, I straightened it out. Back together.... Well, Here it goes. No way.... It runs again... To much oil or bent pickup? What do you think? And where did I put that decoder.... Thanks for making me open it up. ..
My bet is the bent pickup was causing the problem. I've had the same issue with those "finger" pickups bachman uses on the drivers of the engines. Good Luck!
There are two common causes. One is simple. Are the tender truck's wheels the correct way around? Second is not so simple. I gather the pick up contacts are attached to a piece of copper, under the plastic piece that holds the brake rigging etc. This copper piece can short out the two halfs of the boiler weight. You need to remove the bottom cover plate, remove the copper strip and tape some electrical tape to it so that it will not short out the two boiler weights. This operation can be tricky as these parts are assembled in jigs, that you do not have access to. Reassembly needs three hands with 12 fingers each. Best of luck.
Sounds like you've solved it Keith. Way to go! Before refitting the decoder, I would suggest running the loco on DC around your tightest curves and turnouts - in both directions (ie lift up the loco and turn it round). This will show up any potential shorts. Once you've tested it, the decoder and DCC should be no bother. Jon
Thanks guys. I think you are right about the bent pickup. It was difficult to get those "finger" pickups into place. It was not as bad as my N scale model power 2-8-2. I only mentioned the oil because a while back a guy at a LHS recomended a grease that I later found conducted electricity. Bummer. The tender wheels were all ok. I like the idea of some electrical tape. I could see where and why it's needed. I will not open it up again unless there is a problem. The decoder is in, it's a lenz ho 9 pin with a harness to an NMRA 8 pin plug. I forget the model number. It's running fine now. Thanks for the help and advise. ...
