Adam's O gauge posted: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.
Thats normal operation on these 2 motored locos. Diesels operate the same way. Its how the speed control syncs the two motors based on load.
I think if you try the same thing in reverse the opposite will occur.
It sounds like the motors aren't receiving enough voltage. Maybe the control board is bad? My dad had a Lionmaster bigboy where the control board failed and it did the opposite. It started erratically rocketing around the layout until one of the gearboxes got bound up.
