So I checked to make sure the speed control was on. It is. I test ran it with both speed control off and on. Same difficulty in getting initial momentum. The engine ran a bit faster, but that's it. Still won't pull itself (no cars attached) from a start. It won't even pull away from a stop, even when i have the dial all the way up. Once I hit boost and it's moving, it pulls its own engine and tender up the grade with speed control on and off. The engine is a 4-6-6-4. When I lift the front of the engine just slightly off the track, I notice the front 6 drive wheels rotate quickly and without any "drag" When I lift the rear of engine slightly off the track, I notice the rear 6 drive wheels take more dial input to get moving and don't turn as quickly as the front with the same throttle input.
My assumption is that one motor operates the front drive wheels and one motor operates the rear drive wheels. I am thinking now that I have a bad motor, or something is impeding it's ability to get power to the rear drivers. Everything appears to be properly lubricated on the side rods, so i don't think there is any resistance or binding there.
I also think that would explain why it runs with ease and power when I hit the boost dial. The good motor up front is more than compensating for the weak power to the rear drivers.
Any input based on these observations would be appreciated.
