I seem to have difficulty with the tether from the tender to locomotive - the typical problem is the plug coming loose. Am I missing something or is this a common problem and/or is there a fix???
GJR
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Geojr posted:I seem to have difficulty with the tether from the tender to locomotive - the typical problem is the plug coming loose. Am I missing something or is this a common problem and/or is there a fix???
GJR
On occasion I had that problem. Each time I discovered that I had not fully pushed the tether's plug COMPLETELY into its socket, i.e. it wasn't tight.
Which style are you having issues with? The one that plugs into the back of the locomotive or the "wireless drawbar" style?
Either way make sure you inset the tender plug fully. That should eliminate any issues.
I had this problem with two MTH Imperial steam locomotives. I too thought I was not getting the drawbar plug seated securely & it would slightly disconnect about once every 10 times around the layout on only one large oval section. I found a section of track that had a short, tiny up & down area and after going over this section those many times it would start to work it's way apart, but never over switches. It was hard to find. After I replaced a section of that track the problem went away. I hope this gives you another way to look at the problem.
D.
MTH sells a drawbar retainer for PS3 drawbars. It's basically a square piece of plastic that slips over the tender stud after the drawbar is in place to better secure it. Don't have the part number handy (can get it Monday), but your dealer should be able to get them. They included them with some newer locomotives. But the key is to use firm pressure with your thumb to seat the drawbar in the tender plug.
Part number for the tender PS-3 drawbar holder is FB-0000037. That number comes up empty at the MTH site, but it is the correct number. I tried to get some from the MTH parts booth at York today and was surprised they didn't bring any. As Jon suggested, it might be easiest to get your LHS to order some for you. That's what I did.
It’s the plug in type. I have the issue with it working loose on both steam and ABA types, proto 2 and 3, some worse than others. The plug is in as tight as can be.
I’m not sure how the drawbar holder would help. I’m going to try shortening the wire on the tether for lack of anything better to try. The plug always seems to come loose on the far, hard to access part of the layout!!!
Always something - I think that’s why they call model trains a Hobby - always something short of running trains to do - I guess repairs, etc. is really a part of running trains.
The problem may be that there is not enough slack in the tether, so it pulls on the plug in turns.
Bobby Ogage posted:The problem may be that there is not enough slack in the tether, so it pulls on the plug in turns.
I agree with Bobby. You need more slack, not less. That will make things more difficult. I have the same issue with my PS1 GS4. But then again, I need larger curves. I need O-56 or larger vice O-48.
