Problem with Model Locomotive

I have a Model Power U.S.A. N scale semi-streamliner 4-6-2 locomotive that I am having problems with.

I have a Kato diesel and a bachman steam 4-4-0 (from a cheap set) that run with no problem on my layout.

This Model just will not run smoothly. It jerks and stalls constantly and not always at the same place in the track, although that is difficult to say because I just can't get the thing to run long enough to tell.

I have cleaned and inspected the pickups and have run it on a test rig I have setup.

It never has run right not even on the ez-track that came with the original set I got.

I know it is to late to try to return the thing (I just thought it was my track) and I love the way this loco looks and it fits perfectly with my passenger cars.

You folks have helped me so much and I hope that you could help me again.

Sparky

 

Pretty sure the problem is the crappy tender pick ups. Mine ran OK with the stock pick-ups, but still had issues. Best way to fix this is to buy a Bachmann Spectrum tender and replace the orrigional one . The bachmann tender picks up electricity from ALL 8 wheels instead of just 4......Mike

 

I had the same issue once. My problem was a bent rod in the mechanism. Once I straightened that out. No problem. However, it is pretty sensitive if the tender pickups are on the same side. The stock weight fools you if they are. Check that also. Then add some weigt to the tender. If

 

You can also (with modifications) use the Bachmann Spectrum Tender trucks on the Model Power tender, thereby keeping your painted/matching Model power tender on the loco. I ahve had these issues a swell; if you connect power leads to the motor or in-tender terminals themselves, and test-run it, you'll see these can run quite well! It's all in the pick-up. Cheers!

 

Miranda's Maxim as explicated by ke: The poor performance of many N scale steam locomotives is often directly attributable to poor electrical contact.

 

I need to spend more time on here and less time running the trains...lol.

It does run fine on the test rig. Just seem kind of odd that the most expensive loco in my arsenal is the one that runs the worst.

I spent most of my childhood on O27 three-rail trains. This is my first time trying n-gauge. Did it mainly out of a size constraint.

I am going to try and do some of the changes that all of you recommend. Just a little scared given the small size. But what have I got to lose.

Thanks all. Now it's off to ebay to look for another tender.

 

I had the same issue with my MP 4-6-2. Mine is not the streamlined one, but has the oil tender.
I went to the parts dept on the bachmann website and bought tender trucks from a 2-8-0, then
fitted them to my MP tender. Problem solved. Just another idea. I did it that was because it was cheaper.