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First of all i'm brand new to DCC and i'm just getting back into the model railroading hobby. I bought 2 DCC loco's this week and got them today. The one in question is a Bachmann HO 60701 GP35 w/ DCC, Conrail #2273 which I bought from trainlines.com
http://www.mytrainlines.com/products/Bachmann-HO-60701-GP35-w{47}-DCC,-Conrail-#2273.html
I had it on my layout today and made probably 5 or 6 passes without any rolling stock hooked to it. The next time I went to run it there was a grinding sound coming from it and it was moving slow like it wouldn't grip the track. I looked closer and the front wheels are spinning but the back aren't. I can see the gear in the on the back wheels and its moving but very slowly, not like the front which is moving as fast as the wheels. Is there any fix to this or should I return it?
Sounds like a cracked gear or a separated motor linkage. Try removing the shell so you can see what's happening from the inside.
Well I was going too but I can't find any screws anywhere. Like I said, brand to at this.
The shells usually clip on. Try (carefully!) spreading the plastic shell on the bottom, see if you can't find the tabs. You may have to gently rock it around to release the tabs.
Sounds like a linkage issue to me. If you don't have experience with taking these things apart and hacking into them, and/or you don't want to start here, returns may be your best bet.
I was able to get it apart and check the insides. The part where the drive shaft connects was out of place. I just pushed it back in and it was good to go. Hopefully it doesn't happen again, if it does I'll return it.
Glad you got it going again!
Bachmann has a good warranty policy. I'd fill out the warranty card and send it in. Then if it happens again notify Bachmann.
Bachmann has a good warranty policy. I'd fill out the warranty card and send it in. Then if it happens again notify Bachmann.
and adding to Mike's comment - save the receipt. I understand Bachmann has been a bit tougher on warranty repairs since some folks are buying second hand junkers & then want a replacement for Bachmann's repair fee.
things like that happen during shipping and is not unusual.
If you're going to be in the hobby you'll be doing things like that from time to time.
It makes the hobby more interesting to me.
Thanks guys. It seems to be holding fine now. I ran it a good amount today and didn't have any problems.
Glad to hear it. Kind of frustrating to get into a new area like DCC and have your first experience be bad. Of course in your case it was mechanical and not electronic.And welcome back to the hobby from another guy who had it on hold for a long time.
The good news is it was an easy fix and let me learn more about these loco's which can only help me down the road.
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