MTH Santa Fe F-3 ABA 20-20348-1

Yes it is possible.  THe slave may have a issue with a faulty motor, or the Slave board, or harnesses.  Needs to be evaluated by a tech.  G

Thanks so much for responding.  I was afraid you were going to say that.  

I have a tech I can send it to, but he's in Maryland with Klein.  Do you have anyone or place that could do the job that is closer?  I would really appreciate some advice on this one.  Breaks my heart to have to send it away...

Jerry G

Jerry, you're in CT, depending on where, there are MTH techs in MA and NY that are closer than MD.  Just a suggestion, post that you're looking for someone within driving range of your zip code.

Gerry,

Are you sure the connectors are seated properly?I have the ABBA and after awhile the last connection tends to loosen up a bit. When that happens I get the same problem you have. I lengthened the tether and it helped somewhat. Still have issues but will run for about 20-30 minutes before I have to snug the connection again. Good luck.

Ed Kazarian

Ed, that sounds correct.  That is not an uncommon issue with the connections.

Guys,

I appreciate your help so much.  Q: I have tried to snug the connection to the last A several times, but how does one lengthen the tether?  Also, I assume you have figured out that this is a New Haven, but I have so many Santa Fe's I just typed it in wrong. 

Also, I have pulled the wire a bit and have it running correctly for about 5-10 feet so you must be right.  The contacts are probably being pulled slightly apart when either A gets going.  gotta be a solution for this....any ideas?

To increase the length of the tether I took the shell off and pulled on the tether from inside. I tried to figure out a way to put a tie wrap around the connection but there just didn't seem to be room. I swapped the position of the 2 B units and maybe that helped a little. I wonder if you can just run the 2 A units together to see if the tether works better. If it does, it might make you think that the B unit part of the connection is at fault. If not, then it might be the A unit part of the connection. 

Ed

Thanks Ed.  I 'll give it all a try.  I'm hopeful about not sending it out now that I see it working, if only for a short distance.

Jerry

Gentlemen,

I have tried the MTH dealers in CT.  They no longer have MTH techs available for servicing MT engines.  I am following Lionelbill's advice and posting for any MTH tech within driving distance of the Hartford-Waterbury Ct area.  If you can help, please reply.  The lead A cannot be connected to the other A without the B.  They run together so perfectly that I would hate to ship them out for a month.  

My new layout is a 100 ft shelf loop that is 7 1/2" from the ceiling, double tracked, and half finished.  It can't be connected to my big layout which is 40" off the floor.  I already have the backdrop to hide the brackets.  Hanging it with velcro and seems perfect.

MTH DCS which runs the conventionals just fine.

Jerry

Thanks gunrunnerjohn,

Marty was there when I called.  So that everyone knows, he says my problem is common with MTH tethers.  He suggested what Ed K. said-remove the shell and pull out another half inch.  I will try it tomorrow...he thinks that may be the only thing wrong.

As always, thanks guys.  My fingers are crossed.

Jerry

I thought I'd update you all.  Spent a lot of time talking.  Marty and the MTH service guys suggested every thing they could think of, but no go.  The problem was clearly in that second A unit.  I didn't want to be without the engine for a month or more so I called Trainworld in Brooklyn and they agreed to swap out the units.  VERY fast delivery and NO hassles.  In two days my New Haven F-3 was back on the track and running as smooth as silk.  Thanks to all who were kind enough to help.

Jerry G

Excellent follow up service from a dealer - Thanks for posting the 'happy ending' Jerry!