Opinions on Engines and Inclines

I recently purchased an MTH U25B New Haven, although the engine is great, I have run into a problem. The problem is that the engine is unable to get over a 4% incline (over 8 feet), while the other four engines I have, have no problem getting over. The U25B can get over when going at max speed, but that is not practical since it gains to much speed on the decline and is problematic when running other trains. I was wondering if I was to add a non-powered U25B with the current engine, if that would add the necessary force to pull the other cars. I am aware that non-powered are "non-powered" but was wondering if it would be able to add the necessary traction/power? Or would I be better off purchasing the same, powered engine? The engine will run smoothly when by itself, but struggles when additional cars are added (4 freight). My three ABAs have no problem getting over, even with a good amount of cars, and my Santa Fe- Dashcab can also get over without a problem. I would appreciate anyone's advice or opinions on the matter.

Thanks,

Mike

Hi Mike, a DCS engine when set to a speed should not pick up speed on the down side of the grade. That is one of the beautiful points of DCS; that the engine holds it's speed no matter what the grade.

Is it possible that this is not a 2.0 engine? could it be a PS1 model?

Put the U25B on the track by it's self and run a signal test with it. This will not only confirm that is a DCS model but it will tell you how well it's talking to the TIU.

If the signal is low try another DCS engine and if that one gives a high count then try cleaning the pick up rollers on the U25B.

If you cannot connect at all with the engine then it is most definitely an engine issue.

I would open her up and check for lose wires, or the chip not being seated properly. Also look at the barcode on the fly wheel, make sure it is not worn in any way. Also the BC reader could be having a bad day.

Well, as I said on the main forum others will be looking at this soon and it wont be the first time they had to correct me. In any case buddy good-luck but have fun with it.

Mike,

I can't say what your problem is except to say that I'd be hugely surprised if it's any kind of a DCS problem. Rather, it would appear that the engine either isn't PS2 or, if it is PS2, is defective in some way.

Can you tell us the MTH model number (xx-xxxx-x) and if you bought it new from an authorized MTH dealer?

Thanks for the feedback. The engine is PS2, and was purchased from trainworld.com, less then two weeks ago. 

http://mthtrains.com/content/20-20145-1

What I find interesting is that it is the only engine that is unable to climb the incline. All the other engines are PS2, with the exception of one lionel TMCC and have no problem, in addition to carrying more cars. The engine arrived with a broken roller axel so I was unable to run it when it was initially received (had to wait for a replacement part). As a result, the engine has had very limited use (approximately 10 minutes of run time, assuming the engine was not operated prior to its arrival. Are all MTH engines built with similar motors/power, or do they vary according to price (railking/premier)?

Mike,

Just about all of the MTH PS2 diesels (Rail King or Premier) have two motors per unit and should all pull pretty much the same, although there are, I'm sure, some exceptions.

Some things to check would be:

• Are both motors turning under power?
• Are all 4 traction tires in place?
• Is there anything binding in the gears (such as a piece of the broken axel)?
• Are both motor gears lubricated?

Otherwise, I'd suggest sending it back for an exchange or repair.

Rubble Axle? You mean traction tire.

If a engine does not have "All the shoes" it will show poor traction.

I agree with the other poster, it's gotta be related somehow to a barcode.

Lee,

Rubble Axle? You mean traction tire.

His engine came with a broken pickup roller axle.

You could run a track voltage test and make sure you are getting full voltage to the engine.  Track voltage display can be selected via the engine options on the DCS handheld, I believe.

Mike

Hi Barry, correct me if I'm wrong but I have never seen a new MTH engine with a broken pick up axle. Also I seen engines run for years with out the axel breaking. It sounds to me as if this bad boy banged into something on the track. If that is the case then there could be something lose inside.

Mike, I assume the rollers and wheels look new and clean. You know come to think of it Mike Barry is right on, this puppy needs to go back.

My knowledge regarding engines is very limited, so I can be completely incorrect with this statement, but shouldn't the wheels on all engines, regardless of the model or manufacturer not be able to move manually? When looking closer at the U25B I noticed that the rear wheels easily rotate when manually moved. The four front wheels of the engine are locked into place when the engine is not powered up, which I understand to be the proper function of the wheels when unpowered. All my other MTH engines (both the front and back wheels) are locked when unpowered, and cannot be moved/rotated manually. Is the fact that the four rear wheels on the U25B can be easily moved and are not locked into place problematic, or am I completely wrong with this idea, as some engines are designed to operate differently?

Thanks

When looking closer at the U25B I noticed that the rear wheels easily rotate when manually moved.

That's almost certainly the problem.

Turn the engine upside down and apply power to a pickup roller (Hot) and a truck side frame (Common). See if the wheels in both trucks turn. If not, that's for problem.

In this case, the motor may not be mounted properly in the truck gears, the motor may be defective or a gear may be stripped. Regardless, the problem would be mechanical, not electrical.

I'd say the motor mounting screw is loose, that will allow the worm gear to lose engagement with the truck gears.  Had that exact issue with a new Lionel T-1.