MTH stopping and starting randomly

I cannot tell from the description but does it have the wireless tether? If so it sounds like a plug is not fully seated into the drawbar on either the tender or likely engine side. If it is fully seated then I would suggest looking for a fatigued or broken wire. The engines that I have had do the same exact issues were usually due to this.

Not wireless.  It does attach with the usual MTH connector.

But I will try again!  thanks very much

The wire tether comes loose also

That engine has a "wireless drawbar" tether that must be firmly snapped-into it's connector on the tender.

You should feel the connector "cliick-in" when  you connect it. If it isn't fully seated, you will experience exactly the symptoms that you're seeing.

I always found "wireless"  a little odd in it's description in the fact that there are conductors between the engine and tender.  The good forum members above obviously have some sound advice.  I think when some folks see "wireless" they assume there really isn't a connection between the 2 units.  This isn't faulting the draw bar in any way, I was just always amused it was referred to as wireless.

Clean & lube center rail rollers. How's the battery?

Not sure about the battery but the sounds all work fine.    I did give it a proper cleaning too but its near brand new.

It is a PS3 engine. There is NO battery.

This sounds like a classic case of the "wireless tether/drawbar" not fully seated in the tender socket, or at least working loose as it runs.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback.   I'll work on it this weekend.

Whatguage wire to use for DCS ?  Can i use Speaker Wire?

well son of a diddly its still doing it.   you guys are probably right about the loose wire.

Can be loose wire connection that plugs into the drawbar, can be corroded pickup rollers, can be dirty wheels, can be broken solder joints at the drawbar pins.  G

Based on my experience, it may be a loose wire in the PS3 plug for the drawbard inside the train or tender.  My PS3 engine from that era had this issue.  I suggest you hold the tender off the track and command the train to move, and move the tender back and forth.  You may find that it cuts out when doing this.  If so it is for sure a loose wire.  If this is not it, then take the body off and make sure the wires are firmly attached to the pick roller in the middle of the chassis.  If they are tight, then press and jiggle the PS3 plug wires to see if you get a cut out.

I had to replace the wiring harness.

Bill