ps3 diesel with 3/2 issues

I've removed the 3/2 rail capability from some of these, a common failure point is the lousy ten cent switch that's carrying track power!

Ralph,

I have a MTH GP30 with the same looking truck. That metal strip is well inset into the truck so it doesn't come anywhere near in contact with my Ross switches. What kind of switches do you have? Does it lose connection when passing through a particular switch? Did it ever properly operate on your layout? (BTW, I've never touched that 3/2 switch.)

I have several of these 2 axle trucks locomotives  and all my metal strips are recessed into the truck they pickup the ground through the axles,   are yours bent out of shape ? I'm using ross turnouts

@Ralph M posted:

Im having nagging problems with an MTH B&O GP35.It will operate normally for a while then stop. After it stops, it falls off the radar of DCS. Check track. Engine not found. Etc. I wait a while, fiddle with it and eventually it comes back to life. Then we repeat this cycle again.

This is a 3/2 loco and there are these metal strips on the truck.

I have to cover them up with tape just to run through a switch. Otherwise they touch things they shouldn't and short out  Can they be removed?

I've tried cleaning the rollers, cleaning the track, resetting the loco, editing the loco #, etc. Im out if ideas.

Ralph , looking at the photo , are the wheels near your circled area bent out ? 

You need to first determine if this is a loss of AC, or the board is shutting down.  Is this motion stops lights on and sound?  Is this an abrupt stop and complete shutdown of board instantly?  Actual symptoms matter.  G

Almost nothing I *thought* was the problem turned out to be 100% accurate. I believe I have solved the problem though and I am working to implement the solution. Once I am completely certain, I'll post the result.

@Ralph M posted:

Almost nothing I *thought* was the problem turned out to be 100% accurate. I believe I have solved the problem though and I am working to implement the solution. Once I am completely certain, I'll post the result.

Hurry Ralph , hurry.    I gotta see this !