PS1 GP-38-2: Problems With Board

carnerd3000OGR Forum Member

I got a GP-38-2 sometime last year, and whenever I try to run it, it will work for a few seconds, but then all of a sudden the PS1 board starts smoking and smelling strongly like burning plastic. From what I can tell, the smoke comes from the bottom board, and while the locomotive is getting power the sounds are a little messed up, the reversing unit can change without warning, and sometimes there's also a ticking sound when you start it up. I'm willing to bet replacing the board completely is what I'll probably have to do, but I just wanted to make sure there wasn't another solution first. The item number of the board for this locomotive is AE-4500001.

Also, how do you separate the boards from each other?

7/28/204:28 PM

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AGHRMattOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERMEMORIAL SUPPORTER

Sounds like your bottom board (reverse unit, rectifier, etc.) has had it. Normally, the ProtoSounds board (top board) is secured to the header with electrical tape. If you can get a replacement bottom board, you can plug your top board in and things should go back to normal. All of the "intelligence" in the locomotive is in the top board as I recall. I may have one lying around in my storage locker. I'll check this weekend.

7/28/204:49 PM

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carnerd3000OGR Forum Member

Thank you Matt, I really appreciate it. BTW, I just realized I could just pull apart the boards, lol. It looks like a diode was cooked. Here are some pictures:

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7/28/205:00 PM

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carnerd3000OGR Forum Member

If anyone has a new bottom board that goes to this locomotive, I'm interested in buying one. The item number is AD-4500001. PM me if you're willing to sell it to me. Thanks!

8/14/201:56 PM

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