Ted, thanks for the info; will pursue the issue after I put some time on the engine; I checked the drive wheel flanges for deformations but they are smooth.
I also turned the loco upside down in a cradle and eye balled alignment of the tops of the flanged drive wheels and they all seemed to be at the same height and in line with one another. Have run it for about an hour and it runs OK.
Am experimenting with smoke fluid dosages and am adding 10 drops after each 10 minutes of running; at this rate the smoke plume has not decreased.
