I'm Stumped....

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

I don't know how or why but I think I have a short in my Big Boy now. It worked when i put it away....a few days ago i took it out to make sure it still worked after being repaired and well, i turned on the power nothing...touched the engine just a little and it looked like Fourth Of July Firework display underneath the locomotive....Anyone know where to begin looking for a short?


Thanks

[caboose101]

1) If it ran OK the last time out, I would start with the pick-up contacts on the drivers or tender.  I have one or two engines on which these occasionally slip off the tires and make contact with the metal frame.

2) Also, you could have picked up a piece of metal debris in the pick-up area.  A careful inspection should reveal the problem.

3) Is it possible the wheels or one of the trucks on the tender were reversed?

In any case, this doesn't sound like a motor or electronics (DCC??) problem, as the symptom would likely be a slow burn and smell rather than the sparks you encountered.

Regards,

Bob

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

i should have noted that this engine does not require a tender to run. Tomorrow when i get hoem from work i might take the cover plates off the bottom and inspect it. At first i though tit might have been a spring that caused it. Removed the spring and stayed the same. On teh good side i got my Rivarossi 4-4-0 American in V&T working.

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

ok, im about to completly take the engine apart and attempt to reassemble and rewire it a little bit, i might decided to just install a new motor in it if i can find the one i bought(and if it still works)

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

Ok the problem is with the rear trailing truck, The locomotive runs fine when i have the wires pushed against the drivers. when i have it on the track it will move a tad then showers of sparks of an orange color under the trailing truck. Now, what could be the problem?

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

donno waht i did, but shes now working full power im still stumped on what was wrong.... but im happy that the engine is now working again