Skip to main content

The new N/S 270 (20-21357-1)(Powered A Unit)  arrived on my doorstep  the 10th of June. The Non-powered A and the B Unit arrived on the 16th of July.  The A unit was running fine. It's been pulling a consist of 7 cars in addition to the B-A units.  Today it stopped running and/or pulling.  I can hear the motor running but it can't pull the consist.  The powered A unit will run, but it slows, stops, then starts and runs then stops/starts it's very 'herky-jerky.' It can no longer pull anything even the B-A units. All the features work.  I oiled/greased it again, cleaned the tracks....no joy.  I replaced it with another of my MTH engines to be sure the tack/signal was not the problem. The engine ran fine, pulled the consist without a problem.  I have no idea why the N/S 270 is behaving as it is.  Any suggestions as to what I can do, or should I send it back?  Thanks.

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

@ToledoEd posted:

Bruce & Ted, yes, bought it new from a very reputable dealer.  Thanks, I was hoping there was some magic dance or hand waive that would make it all better.     Sending it back is just such a hassle, but,that's all you can do....

I know it's a hassle.... but'... you have no choice...It's best to get rid of headaches as quickly as possible'.... No need for more bummers down the road'..... Send it off, forget it, and build a structure'....😁

I agree with what ^^Bob said.  Check for ballast or the rubber traction tire jammed in the gears.  On a multi-motored set like this, if one motor jams or loses power, the remaining motor will not move the train.

Not sure of your comfort level with repairs, and I don't know the terms of MTH's warranty.  But if it were mine, I would probably check for basic mechanical problems, disconnected wires, etc., before sending it back.

Well if it doesn't go back I had some thoughts. A MTH that loses it's tach signal can go goofy. That depends on a couple of things though. I agree with Ted. Your issue almost sounds like a truck misbehaving for some reason. That could be anything from a broken wire, tight (wires?) so it can't swivel, etc.

First and always, look closely at the traction tires if equipped. There were a release of G scale tires that liquified when run. Then swivel the trucks and check for free full motion in all directions. Of course, make sure all wheels turn! Edit: (under power)

If you go inside spin the flywheels fully and check for binding like previously suggested.

I hate seeing engines returned for the easy stuff. I buy some second hand and find that something easy went wrong.

Last edited by Engineer-Joe

Of course, make sure all wheels turn!

If you go inside spin the flywheels fully and check for binding like previously suggested.

You probably already know this, but DON'T try to turn the wheels from the outside with your fingers!  You could ruin the mechanism.  The gears are self-locking so the wheels are not able to turn the motor.  The only way to check for mechanical binds is to remove the shell and gently turn each flywheel by hand.  This will not hurt the motor or gears.  Be careful not to get grease on the black-and-white stripes.

Last edited by Ted S

Hi Ed,

  • I have a Railking Scale Amtrak FP-45 that had similar symptoms a few years back.  I posted a thread here for help and a forum member named GGG aka George told me to check if the screws securing the trucks to motors were both tightened down.  Sure enough, that was it, the motor gear was not meshing into the truck gear properly.  So I suggest tighten the truck screws first.  If there is any play or movement after that your might have a cross threaded screw or one that might be too long to secure the truck to the motor.  I caught it in time and shortly after I put it to the test pulling 11 Weaver 20" aluminum cars and a non powered unit as demonstrated in the video below.  So even with 40 incandescent bulbs (10 lighted cars) pulling several amps, your MTH engine should have no problem pulling your consist.
Last edited by Chas

ToledoEd - I experienced the same 'Herky- Jerky' syndrome with a brand new Lionel engine that I bought a few years ago.  Initially it ran fine but within a short period of time the same problem arose.  Ultimately Mike Reagan determined that the encoder wheel was loose on the flywheel and fixed it.  Since then I've had no problems.  Consequently you may want to check this if you haven't done so already.

Good Luck!

@ToledoEd posted:

Ted, I will not. I'll wait for replies from MTH and the vendor.  

I hope the vendor steps in and takes charge, .....and just replaces the the affected loco for you......I’m not sure I’d send anything back to HQ for repairs....given the current lay of the land........I know it’s a horrible thing to say, but I’d trust ( and pay) GGG to fix it and get it up to snuff...before I sent it into the abyss......just be careful and CYA.....

Pat

@PH1975 posted:

ToledoEd - I experienced the same 'Herky- Jerky' syndrome with a brand new Lionel engine that I bought a few years ago.  Initially it ran fine but within a short period of time the same problem arose.  Ultimately Mike Reagan determined that the encoder wheel was loose on the flywheel and fixed it.  Since then I've had no problems.  Consequently you may want to check this if you haven't done so already.

If the flywheel is loose on this one, it'll take a bit more work.  The flywheels are pressed on, so it would have to go back anyway.

@harmonyards posted:

I hope the vendor steps in and takes charge, .....and just replaces the the affected loco for you......I’m not sure I’d send anything back to HQ for repairs....given the current lay of the land........I know it’s a horrible thing to say, but I’d trust ( and pay) GGG to fix it and get it up to snuff...before I sent it into the abyss......just be careful and CYA.....

Pat

Pat, thanks for the caution.  Unfortunately, the vendor has not units with which to replace it.  When it first arrived and I had trouble getting the DCS to recognize it I did talk to the Hobby Shop.  I was told there were no units available.  I think I remember him saying that was true at MTH as well. "All sold out" so I'm not hopeful for a replacement.  I've not yet heard back from either the Vendor or MTH...I'm going to wait until next week then follow up.  I think I may have bought my last MTH engine.

 

Ed, may I ask what is a Tach issue"?  ANd happy to hear it went back'.... Smart move'....

@ToledoEd posted:

Ted, it is the way the engine determines speed, is my understanding. A tachometer. 

The tachometer is attached to a motor and reads a tac tape on the flywheel.  It is for speed and for matching sounds to speed.

MTH TacMTH Motor

Attachments

Images (2)
  • MTH Tac
  • MTH Motor

For those still interested in this saga.  I received a call from the tech to tell me he was running the engine for 30 min. with no issues.  The nest day I got another call and he informed me: " I was running it again with no issues and was about to wrap it up when it...stopped....then herky-jerky."  He said he's sure it's a problem with the gearing in the front truck. The wheels would stop moving and the rear truck was trying to move the engine but of course couldn't.  I'm so glad I sent it to MTH and that the symptoms showed up for the Technician. (Samuel). By the way, I've impressed with him and his customer support.  Until the next time....keep those trains moving!

@Chas posted:

Hi Ed,

  • I have a Railking Scale Amtrak FP-45 that had similar symptoms a few years back.  I posted a thread here for help and a forum member named GGG aka George told me to check if the screws securing the trucks to motors were both tightened down.  Sure enough, that was it, the motor gear was not meshing into the truck gear properly.  So I suggest tighten the truck screws first.  If there is any play or movement after that your might have a cross threaded screw or one that might be too long to secure the truck to the motor.  I caught it in time and shortly after I put it to the test pulling 11 Weaver 20" aluminum cars and a non powered unit as demonstrated in the video below.  So even with 40 incandescent bulbs (10 lighted cars) pulling several amps, your MTH engine should have no problem pulling your consist.

Was I close?  What do I win?  LOL  

I am so glad they are getting fixed for you!  

Add Reply

Post
This forum is sponsored by MTH Electric Trains

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×