I have two and a 2-6-0. I purchased another a few months ago in the blue B&O scheme to pull my B&O Overlands. I took it out to break in a few days ago and have slippage around turns. I hooked it up to another Roundhouse 2-8-0 for a few hours to break in figuring something might be a bit stiff. BTW- Never a problem with the other two and Mogul, right out of the box. I taped a 1/2 oz weight on top of the cab to see if that would help. It did, a bit, but did not solve the problem. There was hesitation around the turns but no hangups. It will not take the grades with or without the weights. The wheels are in gauge and I placed a straight edge against the four wheels. It is the same as the ones that have no problem. Wheels 1 and 4 touch the straightedge and 2 and 3 do not, with the tiniest of gap. The traction tires are on wheels 3 and 4. Would this not work better with the tires on 1 and 4? Should there be a gap on 2&3 to the straight edge when placed against 1&4? If weight is the answer, where and how do you attach it to the engine? There is no contact break, the rods keep on pushing and the wheels turn, but slip. I would appreciate any and all help.
No there shouldn't be a gap, all wheels should contact the rails. Insure you pressing lightly on the straight edge to see if there some play that has to be taken up. On the high wheels you could examine the bearing slots to see if theres some flash. On something like this, maybe a few light strokes with a file would even it out. be careful though, too much you'll end up with the same problem, just on the wheels slots you filed. Rob
Mark: I would continue running the MDC 2-8-0 on level track in both directions for several hours at various speeds. Don't try the grades. This loco should run well out of the box. Try loosening the gear plate screws 1/4 -1/2 turn. Stay cool and run steam.....
It is possible that the traction tires are slipping. I had one work loose on one of my two (the one that was the MR product review subject). I used a tiny dab of superglue to keep it from slipping. Now both will pull 6 cars and a cabin car up my 5 percent grade.
Thirdrail- All tires are tight. Rob- I rechecked the gap using a bit of pressure on the straight edge and there is no gap. Bob- I loosened the screws as you suggested, same results. I will run for several more hours and see what happens. Thanks, all.
