Proto 2000 E-8 strange behavior

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T

trailrider

Well-Known Member
I have the above beast, and when I put it on any stretch of track, running DC (actually, I'm bridging 9v batteries across the rails...until I can get the new layout wired up for DC), the loco loco runs faster in reverse than in forward. It has a headlight and a Mars light that flashes when running forward, and both lights are off running in reverse. I don't have the directions that came with the box (I've had this for awhile), so I don't know if there is anything peculiar about this or not. I haven't taken the body off to check for end-play in the drive train.

Any suggestions? :confused:
 
trailrider said:
I have the above beast, and when I put it on any stretch of track, running DC (actually, I'm bridging 9v batteries across the rails...until I can get the new layout wired up for DC), the loco loco runs faster in reverse than in forward. It has a headlight and a Mars light that flashes when running forward, and both lights are off running in reverse. I don't have the directions that came with the box (I've had this for awhile), so I don't know if there is anything peculiar about this or not. I haven't taken the body off to check for end-play in the drive train.

Any suggestions? :confused:
Click to expand...
There's your answer. Lights pull power too. When running forward the locos motor AND lights are pulling power. When in reverse it's just the motor. Hence it runs faster in reverse. Nothing strange about it.
 
jeffrey-wimberly said:
There's your answer. Lights pull power too. When running forward the locos motor AND lights are pulling power. When in reverse it's just the motor. Hence it runs faster in reverse. Nothing strange about it.
Click to expand...


I agree 100%. Also i think using the 9v batteries are the rest of the problem. I have never used batteries to power track before, so i could be wrong.
 


Oh, you're absolutely right. The 9v batteries are the other part of the equation. While they supply the needed voltage they can;t supply the amperage. If he were using say, a car battery, there wouldn't be a difference in forward and reverse speeds. What would a derailment at a turnout or crossing do though. Weld the wheels to the rails?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
jeffrey-wimberly said:
There's your answer. Lights pull power too. When running forward the locos motor AND lights are pulling power. When in reverse it's just the motor. Hence it runs faster in reverse. Nothing strange about it.
Click to expand...

Well, duh! I should have thought of that, though I guess I expected the manufacturer would have used something that drew less power. I have one other diesel that has a Mars light, which does not do that...but ;) I installed that one myself, and the bulbs are...:o powered by a 9 volt battery in the B-unit (along with the flasher module)! Only problem is that I can't run them with a powered Athern PA-1 under a E-7 shell, as the speed are too different. (Sound like a good reason to go DCC? Except for the other 49 locomotives I'd have to convert to DCC.)

Thanks! Green board!
 
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