I recently purchased a 3rd Rail PRR P5a Boxcab that was NOS and still in original packaging.
I have heard there is a problem with the drive mechanism so was not overly surprised when it was a poor performer out of the box. It works okay on straights then struggles through curves and after going through the curve. After it sits for a period of time, it's back to performing "better" until it hits a curve again.
A brief synopsis without opening the engine up - the motor looks like it drives the center drivers which in turn is linked to each pair of outside drivers. The center drivers are blind with no traction tire so it will spin in place while the other drivers sit still on the rails. It sporadically engages the other drivers which is why it will somewhat run.
My assumption is that there is some type of belt drive which gets construed/stretched on the turns and needs to be a little tighter of a fit in order to maintain constant contact. Again this is just a guess.
It's a beautiful model and I'd like to get it running at 100% capacity. If I am able to do that, then I plan on getting an ERR upgrade to it... but one thing at a time.
First - does anyone have this engine and can scan in/take pictures of the manual for me? Mine came without one, I am not sure if it will give any insight to either challenge I am trying to tackle, but knowing what is in there will give me some comfort.
Second - Has anyone fixed this problem on this engine?
Third - Has anyone encountered and fixed this problem on a different engine?
