Tunnel Motor Down My D&RGW Tunnel Motor just died. It sparks only, no headlights, no movement, shorts the track. (stops other locos if it is on the track) I didn't even remove the shell. Is there a fix? Or send in another loco? Thanks, Loco1999
I would remove the shell and look for an electrical short. It sounds as if it should be an obvious fix, but I would at least take a look before sending it in. I haven't disassembled any of mine yet, so I don't know the particulars of the innards. I think I would remove the light board after removing the shell if the problem still exists. Maybe remove the fuel tank also. I assume that there are two screws holding the frame halves together. loosen them up just a bit and check to see that the problem still occurs.
Loco1999: I am assuming that the loco worked properly before you weathered it. When you weathered the loco, I am assuming you removed the trucks. If you removed the trucks to weather the loco, make sure that they are put back in the proper relationship.
I took off the shell and fuel tank. Loosened the screws, still shorts. PC board isn't coming off easy. I don't know what I'm looking for. Any other ideas? Thanks, Loco1999 Edit: I did not take it apart or weather it. I did brush a little chalk on the shell.
If you can loosen the frame halves enough to drop the trucks out, you should be able to tighten up the frame halves. I would then hold the mechanism down on the rails making sure that each frame half touches one rail and apply some power and see if the short still occurs. If not, then it is in the trucks. If so, then it is in the mechanism. If you trust yourself enough, you can then take apart the mechanism. If not, I would send it in or find someone who would be willing to take a peek at it! I will tear one if mine down to see about the PC board.
PC board doesn't come out without unscrewing the mech halves. Just FYI... My bet is that the factory assemblers forgot to install or dropped a frame isolator (goes in between the frame halves, and acts as a spacer, washer, and insulator from the screw all at once) when assembling the mech.. That will guaranteed cause what you have going on.
I have disassembled a pair of these to install DCC decoders, and if you're willing to drive to Cheyenne, I'd be happy to take a peek at it. I have a wedding saturday nite, so travel plans are nixxed....
Talked to InterMountain. They said ship it to them and they will replace with a new unit with the same road number. Great Service Loco1999 Edit: Thanks for the help, Didn't see other posts
I should send in that 1st-gen SSW shell, for a new one that's not messed up... "Would that be "Reverend Hemi"?? " Uhm, did I miss something? Maybe I was out in the sun too much today, but I missed something..
OH, I told ya I was a bit out of it... Doh! Attending, BTW. Sorry that joke took so long for me to get.. I tend to be like the guy who laughs 5 minutes after the joke is told, sometimes...
