New GP-38-2 quit (Update; fixed)

[Mark Oles]

Hello Bachmann and board members,

I have a brand new GP-38-2 that was purchased this past Saturday that suddenly stopped running.  The lights still come on, but I do not hear any motor trying to turn.  

How do I remove the shell to determine if a wire fell off or if the motor seized?  I discovered that the dynamic brake blister is removable revealing a PCB board.  

The road name is New England Central, road number 3848.  I am using a Tech II Locomotion 1500 power supply, and other locomotives (including other Bachmann) run fine.  I have a short train (5 cars) behind this locomotive.

This is my son's locomotive (he's and I was running it at about 25% of full power.  Nice and slow.  Maybe it was too slow? Anyway, I'd like to see if it is possible to check before sending it in for repair.

Advice?

Thanks,

Mark

[Bucksco]

Is the loco DCC equipped? Sometimes the Dual mode decoders don't like the old pulse powered transformers. If possible try it with a different power pack. If you can't get it to work give the service department a call at (215) 533-1600 and ask for the service manager.

[Mark Oles]

Yardmaster,

This is a regular DC locomotive. 

I popped off the fuel tank, removed the screws.  BTW- I don't know if anyone has ever commented, but the fuel tank makes a perfect screw holder!!
Slowly separated the metal pieces and discovered that one of the motor leads had fallen off.  I checked the motor using alligator clips, no problems.
Quick soldering job and it's good to go.

While I was in there, I also greased the brass worm gear and the drive gears with some LGB gear grease.  Buttoned it all back up and gave it a quick test, everything is OK.

Also, the extra wire is nice.  I've had a few G scale locomotives where you run out of wire when you're trying to trouble shoot....

[Bucksco]

Glad it was a simple fix!

[DM Rail Group]

BTW- I don't know if anyone has ever commented, but the fuel tank makes a perfect screw holder!!

I recently added DCC to a pair of previously non-DCC GP40's, and found the fuel tanks to be perfect storage for the screws while working on them!

-Fuzzy