Speed Problem with PS2 Diesel

If its running at 2x the speed of everything else, I would wonder if it has its original sound file in it. Try loading the original file from MTH's website into the locomotive and see what happens.

Otherwise, the tolerance in the speed control is relatively wide, but it shouldn't be that far off. If you've got a fast one and a real slow one, they may just not be compatible. 

If its the early one from 2000 (20-2256-1), I suspect the flywheel tack tape. They were made of paper and they didn't hold up well. Especially if smoke fliud has gotten on it from over filling it.

I agree with Joe, the paper tapes occasionally require replacement.  Check the spacing the the tach sensor as well, it should be about the width of a dime between the sensor and the flywheel tape.

Can be the tape even if not paper if it is dirty.  The tach reader may be loose and gapped wide.  Can be a sound file issue though diesels tend to have similar ratios.

Last would be a tach reader going bad.  G

Thanks to all of you for your help.  I am a relative novice so it will be fun figuring out what and where the tack tape may be.  I'm hoping that it will be a relatively easy fix.

Here's what the tape and the sensor look like, can't miss it with the shell off.

OK - I see - it works based on a strobe-like mechanism.  This will be my project for tomorrow.  Thanks again!

Bob

Pretty much, the little sensor is an IR transmitter and a receiver that "sees" the white strips and provides a pulse when each one goes by.

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Update - the tach tape is certainly suspect.  The tape is the paper version and it appears as if oil or something contaminated it.  In those places it has become somewhat see-through so that the white strip in those places become essentially black.

I assume that I just contact MTH to get a replacement?  Would you happen to know if there is an alternative to paper for this engine?

BOB, E-mail me I can get you one, faster and cheaper than MTH.  Just need Diameter of flywheel in mm.  27 or 30mm.  G

You can print your own tapes on shipping labels, I've done it successfully for a number of locomotives.

Print the attached file actual size one gummed label paper and you can cut out the appropriate tach tape.  On my printer at actual size, it exactly matches the tach strip that comes in the PS/2 upgrade kit and works like a champ.

Finally got to make the tach tape repair and the shipping label idea worked like a charm.  The speed is proper and in line with my other engines.  I did have to make one adjustment - I had to print at 98% to get it to match the old tape as my printer must be slightly off.  Thanks again for the help!

Bob

Must be a cheap printer Bob.

I have noticed that some printers do render things not quite the same size, I guess I'm lucky with the current laser printer I have.