Today, at last, I finally got my North Shore Electroliner out of the box, lubed, and assembled! Thanks to the tips on connecting the tether plugs I didn't have too much trouble.
It runs pretty good ~ doesn't start until DCS speed is around 4-5 mph, but that is still very good IMO. After about 30 minutes of test running - the lead unit (with speaker) felt noticeably warm, but after another 20 minutes it didn't feel any warmer, so I think this is normal. The two motored units and traction is strong enough to move the train but I seriously doubt this train could handle any grade, at least not without a serious amount of head-start.
My units are starting up in conventional mode via DCS...despite having latest 6.1 version software, but that is a quirk I've noticed in a few PS3 engines made in the 2015 to 2017 time period. All I do is hit "start up" and that brings in into DCS mode. Also, the car interior lights come on as soon as the transformer is powered up, and prior to the engine sounds, and they stay on even after shutting down via "shut down" on DCS remote. Am not sure if this is DCS quirks or something else. I am not sure I'd want to send it back to MTH for these issues, however, as they are minor and can be worked around. Am curious if anyone noticed this?
At some point this autumn I'll put together a video of the set on my semi-subway line - its really just a line that goes under the city, re-appears in a few places, back under, etc. I do need to learn how to active station stops via the DCS handheld...the normal PSA button doesn't seem to do anything.
All in all, a great train that looks awesome as I hoped it would on my subway line.
