Locomotive Problems

[Cody J]

Does Anyone know what to do about my locomotive.  My locomotive will not run on my track,it wont even move!  I have decided that the problem is something internal like the wiring.  Does anyone know what to do about it?

Would Prefer A Quick Response!!

-Cody L. Jackson

[rogertra]

What locomotive? 

Don't care about roadname, just what is it?

You never even told us whether it was a steam or diesel model.

If you'd like a "quick response" then providing some useful information would help matters along.

How much trouble shooting have you done?

Do your other locos work on the same piece of track for example?

[Cody J]

My locomotive is a Diesel EMD-GP40

I have done alot of trouble shooting.  I have a madel RR book that has trouble shooting and I have eliminated all of them but the Internal problems.  I have cleaned the track and the locomotive wheels!

Yes other locomotives work.  My brothers locomotive works on my track and my hand car works also with my power pack as well as his pwer pack BUT my engine does not work with his power pack.

-Cody L. Jackson

[trainstamp]

Sounds to me as though this engine is not getting power to the motor. You can more than likely confirm this by whether or not the headlight shines or not.

Since you didn't mention whether this is a new or old loco, my advise would be to send it back to the factory if it is new or remove the shell if it is old and have a look around. If you know how to use an ohm/volt meter, start with the wheels and work back to the motor, checking continuity as you go.
If everything checks OK, try putting some power on the motor and see if it runs. Here's a WARNING: If this is a DCC loco and you don't know your way around, then you better get help from someone knowledgeable or you will most likely damage it worse than it is now. Hope this helps.
Richard

[Cody J]

My Locomotive Light Does Not Shine!

It is a new locomotive.  I bought it on ebay "new in the box" and it was working fine until Saturday I took it off the track then  put it back on and it wouldnt move.  My handcar ran fine Saturday and my locomotive hasnt ran since!

I dont know how to use an  ohm/volt meter

It is Non-DCC which I think makes it DC?  I dont know

[trainstamp]

Yes, this would be a DC loco. Since it is new, call the factory and see about sending it back. If sending it back is not an option, take it apart. It may be something simple. This can be a learning experience for you. 

[Cody J]

OkThanks

-Cody L. Jackson

[Guilford Guy]

Do you have a link to the Ebay item? It should still be there in your "My Ebay." What color box?

[ta152h0]

Hi Cody,
don't want to rain on your parade here  but i came to the conclusion the locomotive in the thunderbolt set is a pile of sand. I bought a bachmann F9 and i am much happier now. Sorry man, but those are the facts. the locomotive is not very well made and it is very light.

[Running Bear]

No motor function and no light? Sounds like a pickup problem. I saw a lot of that on Bachmann diesel locos in the 90's on models that had the pickups rubbing on the frame.

[ta152h0]

ok, do this. take everything off the track, including disconnecting the transformer. . Learn how to use an ohmeter ( buy one at Radio Shack, or wherever, and ask the salesman how to measure resistance. then measure the resistance between the rails of aforementioned empty track . Should read open circuit. then place the locomotive on the track and read resistance. What is it ? mine reads 33.8 ohms and it runs fine.

[Cody J]

Ok I have a couple questions.

I never told you my engine was from the Thunderbolt so how did you know?
I should but dont know what an "F9" is so could you help?
Yea I probaly will buy a new engine.

Thanks For All Your Help!!

-Cody L. Jackson  Eastern, Ohio

[ta152h0]

this told me

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,5465.0.html

[Daylight4449]

this may sound stupid but the thunderbolt came with 2 of them. One was not powered and one was.

[Cody J]

Not Trying to be mean but the Thunderbolt only has one locomotive.

http://www.trainsetsonly.com/page/TSO/PROD/160-612

Go to The Above Website.   You might be looking at a different one.

-Cody L. Jackson