Proto 3 engine problems

Scott-

Based on your description it appears the engine, not DCS or your layout is suspect. It's interesting that the head A unit operates normally without the B or rear A unit, which suggests the problem could be in one of these other units.

To help troubleshoot, can you post the MTH part# for the ABA set? Also, try running the head A unit with just the rear A unit, and then just the head A unit with the B unit. If the problem persists I recommend sending it back, especially if you have a warranty on the product.

You did the correct move by pulling the other A and B unit.  Hook the engines up AA config and see what goes.  I would say the slave in your other A may be your issue.  I would open it up and turn the flywheels by hand to check for binding in the gears.  I would check the screw that holds the motor to the truck.  I have seen a loose screw be an issue.  If all of that checks out, pull each plug from the board and reinstall them.  Lastly, with the shell off, lay the engines on the side and power up with jumper wires.  Watch and observe if the slave motors come on real slow. 

If everything checks out, look for a broken traction tire that may be caught up in the gears.  Get back to us.

The MTH Part # for the set is the 20-20255-1 Santa Fe E-8 ABA. I did try just the AA unit and got the same result, will try tomorrow with just the head A and B unit tomorrow morning. thanks for both replies.

You can fan on the B as it is just to carry the power from A to A .   Look at what I mentioned with the slave A.

Interesting Marty,  So you have seen mechanical binding in a PS-3 Slave drag down the DCS signal? 

G

Unless you see something simple and obvious such as Marty described, I'd call MTH and get a return authorization for warranty repair.

George, anytime you get a very slow slave motor to come online, you will see that or if the gears are binding in any way.

Not sure about signal issues but:

With motor issues I think MTH changed motor suppliers with some items.

My new LIRR PS3 MU commuter set struggles on 054 curves with 4 cars.

Will not pull the other 2 stock add-ons around a flat surface.

While the new LIRR RS-1 PS3 will pull 25 cars perfectly.

The MP’s also have to be monitored and speed adjusted when operating with other trains on the same track.

Whatever motors were in the first silver subway set, were the best I’ve ever seen pulling 8 cars around 036 curves.

Same issue exists with the R-40 slants; they slip and can’t seem to get out of their own way.

Junk!

Sirt.  I have the new PS3 PRR MU set, and have also had problems.  Had poor traction on grades, slipping with the 3 cars, which I traced to the non-tach-tape motor being still.  Also the headlight was at the wrong end of the baggage car; PRR ran the baggage section at the very end of the train.  PS3 board was rattling loose.  Sent it back to MTH twice, and now it runs acceptably.

I wanted to thank everybody that gave me input on my engine problem. I am not going to take it apart. The engine is new and under warranty. I am going to take it to an MTH authorized repair site at Stockyard Express in Oberlin Ohio.  That is where I got the engine and they are very helpful as well. Again, thanks for your comments and help. I was concerned that it may have been my layout, I recently built it and have been relying on a lot of good advice for help during construction.

Scott

SIRT, I have the same issue with my PS2 PRR set.  It needs larger motors.  I tried extra weight and that was a no go.

Guys, If you have 3.0 with the premier trucks and switchs that allow you to change from DCS to DCC and 2 rail to 3 rail. I have repaired a rash of them that have bad switches in them which will cause this issue also.

MU set doesn't have the switch.

Above quote absolutely correct..i have removed 2 of these switches and wired direct for my dcs. Symptoms erratic operation, check track,eng not found and occasional blew my fast blow 7.5 amp glass fuse.