MTH 2-10-0 running issues

I've had a lot of problems with my MTH Texas engine. One problem that might be similar to yours was the drawbar would loosen and the engine would stop. I put a black tie wrap around where the drawbar connects at the tender to keep it snug and it ran fine. You might just be having the drawbar loosen and causing your problems. There was a recent thread about this type of problem and one guy had a very clever fix. He suggested using a small piece of rubber hose or similar tubing to make a very snug fit over the stem part of the tender connection to keep the electrical connection tight.

Ed Kazarian

Make sure tether connected tightly, also the internal one from the engine that plugs into the connector.  Same for tender.

Occasionally a loose pin or bad solder joint in the tether or connector can be the cause of these issues.  Should be a simple fix.  G

Correct. I started the thread and got "scooped" by the guy with the rubber tubing idea. My version of his solution is a bib washer (photo). You don't have to flip the engine over to add it and the black color hides it nicely. Your light and smoke problems make it sound like there may be more to it though.

Is this an R-K Decapod?  Do the stalls happen near switches?

Also note that this locomotive is a 3/2 offering, (3rail or convertible to 2rail)  so outside rail common is a little different.  You may want to read your manual.  Common pick-up is via the tender, there are wiper contacts for common that may need maintenance.  The wheel sets are split/insulated/isolated, different from normal 3 rail offerings.  Each wheel set is only electrically complete to one outside rail.
Common pick-up in the tender  Note the axle wipers.

Scott,

That's a great idea. I went down cellar and found a similar washer with the number 1/4 on it. Seems to fit nice and snug. Plan to give it a try once I get the engine fixed.

Ed

Is this a PS-2 or a PS-3 engine?  G

Robert,

Is this an R-K Decapod?  Do the stalls happen near switches?

It's got a 3-rail/2-rail switch so it's a Premier locomotive.

Barry, the originator of the thread never said that and in fact hasn't given any more facts; MikeCT didn't add that fact until after my post.  That's an interesting looking roller/wiper assembly.

Thanks, Mike, for the info.

Thanks everyone for the comments and all the info.

I ended up taking apart the drawbar assembly off the engine and the plug was half-connected. I reassembled it and all seems to be well now.

Thanks for the history also Mike. 1 day I want to have a Shawmut collection like yours.