Tested my new Legacy Heavy Mike today; beautiful...until it started running in a jerking, surging way. It would come and
go, forward and reverse.
I was bummed; guess I had better get an RA; usually I have really good luck with locos.
Then I recalled a Williams NW-2 that I upgraded with ERR; ran weird, with a surge...found that the brake shoe on one truck
side frame was acting as an actual brake shoe on a traction tire.
I inspected the 2-8-2 and saw that a brake shoe hanger had been relieved on the back in order to clear the
traction tire on the next driver; the one on the fireman's side had not been, and was rubbing. See photo.
I removed it. Runs like butter; no surging, and, so far, no RA.
So, one my new engine's brake hangers has a quick date with my Moto-Tool for some clearance work; then back on it goes.
OK, teeny brake shoes/parts pressing against teeny wheels will act JUST LIKE BRAKE SHOES.
Beautiful locomotive; great sounds.
The shiny part is from the traction tire rubbing the hanger: