Problem with New EF-3b Pantographs

Or the belts are slipping which can be common problem especially if smoke fluid or lubrication has gotten on them.  They won't slip with panto off, but if they have to pull them down, that is when you would see it.   G

Thank you G for your advice.  This is a brand new engine without a smoke unit.  I looked in the slots at the blocks and strings that pull them from above.  There is no sign of grease or oil.  I’m reluctant to open it at this point, as it’s under warranty, although I have a fair amount of experience in working on engines (I’ve upgraded several engines to PS2), and if I knew it was a simple fix I would go ahead and do it.

You are correct that there is not enough tension on the blocks to pull the pantographs down.  I removed the pantographs and held a toothpick against the blocks .  They moved in closer but provided little tension.

Then something strange happened to the rear pantograph blocks. I pushed them further apart very slightly when they were in the raised (far apart)  position and not moving. I felt a very slight increase in resistance.  After that I noticed the blocks moved much closer when I triggered it using the remote to the lowered position than they had been doing previously, and there was now much more tension to push on the pantograph.  After putting the pantograph back on, that rear pantograph worked perfectly, but in the opposite direction it should be moving.  (Up was down)

I have not been able to do the same with the front Pantograph which still moves less than half an inch.  When triggered to raise or lower with the remote, it moves upward slightly, and then back down slightly to its previous position which is always raised.

Thank you for your help.  Any more advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you again,

Ron

I would send it or bring it back to the dealer.  I know how disappointing it is after you have waited for the loco, to have to return it.  But as you pointed out, if you open it up, you might void the warranty.