Seem to have developed a similar problem with my BB. After a couple of hours run time the railsounds chuff and puffing smoke ( I assume the fan) became intermittant and then ceased. It still smokes but does not appear to be puffed by the fan. Bell, whistle and brake sounds all still work OK. Removed the boiler (yikes!) and no loose connections or chaffed wires. Have no idea as to which board is what. Any ideas?
Also noticed that my tender was leaning to one side and lifted a rear wheel off the track when pressure was applied to level the tender although it always ran on track OK. After disassembly there was a single fiber washer installed on one of the four screws fastening the long truck to the chassis floor. Since I saw no reason for the washer, reassembled the tender and now sits perfectly level and runs fine.
Also corrected a drooping rear coupler by tightening BOTH loose screws.
Any tips on the chuff problem appreciated as I'd like to avoid sending the the BB out for repairs.
Rich
