2nd Run Sunset E7a units

Why don't you call Sunset at 800-373-7245 and discuss your issues? They will repair or replace your unit under warranty.

the only issue I've ever had with these units is stalling on unpowering turnout frogs. the engines do not come with all wheel pickup, I added pickups and solved my problem.

can you provide more info on your problem?

Thank You for your replies. I am aware & intend to contact Sunset. I just want to get some background to see if anyone had similar problems, before I send both E7s back to them.

I have had the these E7s just over a week and the problem showed up on out group module layout and then even more so when operating on my home layout. I did not have any problems in stalling on my turnouts

What are you using to run them with, TMCC/Legacy, TMCC thru DCS, conventional?

The instructions say to use no more than 18VAC, I had to ditch my Z750 power pack (21VAC out) and use a PowerMaster 180 (18VAC out).

I've run mine conventionally and thru DCS/TMCC, but don't recall any jerking, at least in Command mode.  I did have a faulty center pickup which 3rd Rail replaced.

The belt drive does make a little whirring sound, but with the sound on and the engine/train noises while going round the layout, I can't hear it.

Here's what I found:

Motor/drive train vibration type noise DOES NOT occur when MOM = Low or Medium and SPD = 128

Motor/drive train vibration type noise occurs around 70 speed steps when MOM = High and SPD = 128

Motor/drive train vibration type noise occurs above 18 speed steps when MOM = L/M/H and SPD = 32

Remember...if you're running thru DCS the readout displays SPEED STEPS and NOT SCALE MPH, for TMCC engines.

NOTE:  The vibration I was getting was only on curves (072), not on straight track.  It may just need lubricating or it may be binding on those 072 curves just a bit.

DOH!  Sorry folks, I thought I was still on the 3RS side of the house.

PRR Man how did you add additional pickup to Sunset E7s? The E7s trucks have a wire to the frame, I suspect that the axles being used as contacts to the frame. My problem that  my PRR E7s stall on different spots of my layout for no apparent reason. It is either dirty track or a pickup problem. Before I send these back to Sunset I want to make sure it is the E7's or my layout problem. I do have authorization to do so, but want to make sure it is not the E7's

For example Saturday on our group module they ran flawlessly. Sunday(4/14) they also ran well. Then I ran them again on Monday (4/15) they ran the layout (191' main line) 2 times then they started stalling again.

Today Tuesday I am going to check track voltage around the layout. All other DCC power locomotives & diesel run without problems.

HELP

It sounds like you have run them some hours.   Is it possible the wheels have gotten dirty?    Since they pickup on one side of each truck, they don't have a lot of pickup.  I am assuming 2-rail.   

Also, check your track for dirt since they ran well on your modules.  

Third, I think with my mine (I have a set of the first run), I had something minor bent on one of the trucks that hit a wheel on the wrong side on a curve and caused a short.  

Mine have run really well now.   It took me about a month to figure out they wired the lights however.

Check for shorts.  On my ABA, I had to move some of the brake shoes on both A units to give the wheels more clearance.  The B was fine but he A's would travel some distance and stop for no reason and start back up.  Eventually I found some shoes too close to the wheels I added clearance and its been trouble free for a year now.

As mentioned, from the factory each truck picks up power from one side. I added wipers to two of the three wheels on each un-picked-up side and spliced the leads to the wiring inside. I have a photo of the install, but its at home and I'm not.

I too had some shorting from a couple brake shoes and a step rung. Be very careful with bending the shoes as they are diecast and may break. I also discovered that careful handling is required not to bend the steps into the trucks.

All wheel pickup is a must for reliable pickup on our sometimes dirty track.  I understand future Sunset diesels will have wipers on the insulated wheels.  Meanwhile installing them on my E7's is high on the project list.

Ed Rappe

I have the same problem with the DC/DCC FL9.  I have three FL9's.  When the first one came I thought it was defective and e-mailed Scott.  He referred my e-mail to QSI.  I have not received a response in two weeks.  I also called QSI and talked to a tech guy.  He was going to get back to me but never did.  When the second and third FL9's arrived with the QSI Titan decoder they do exactly the same thing.  Bottom line: they don't run right unmodified out of the box.  They do run great on straight DC but not with my NCE DCC system.  Here's the fix:  You must take the locomotive out of regulated throttle control (RTC) and put the locomotive into standard throttle control (STC), then it will run fine. Here's how you do it: Set up your DCC system to program ON THE MAIN. Go into configuring CV's. Start with CV50=0 then CV49=4 and finally CV56=0. Then the locomotive will run smoothly at all speeds.