Baffled
Hi Guys. I have just acquired another Mallard starter set and have been test running the loco. Although I have got the loco to run, both forwards and reverse, it occasionally seems to have a mind of its own. When either increasing or decreasing the throttle lever one click, all of a sudden the motor will run constantly with the ‘reversing cam’ (I think that’s it) cycling through such that I get a display of flashing red and green leds and the whistle going off at about 3 second intervals. The only way to stop it, is to switch off mains power. I’m not sure if I’ve described this well enough but the cam in question is the one that’s second in from the top of the exploded parts photo in the knowledge section.
Has anybody got any clues please? Do I have a timing problem or is it something else? Grateful for any advice please. Many thanks. Neil
Hi guys. An update and final statement on my loco problems. First though, a very heartfelt thanks to Maurice who sorted out my Mallard at the recent Great British Railway Exhibition at Gaydon. Maurice, you’re a star! It transpires that I had a number of problems....the short was caused by one set of the tender wheels having melted and were locked solid. A complete set of new metal wheels were installed and whilst the opportunity presented itself, the copper strips were replaced as well. Once the short was rectified, Maurice moved on to the loco. He immediately spotted that the reversing cam was very loose and canted at a angle. Removal of the whistles and the upper framework allowed access to the securing screw on the reversing cam. Maurice removed the cam for inspection which was found to be ok. A word of warning for the uninitiated, the cam must be fitted the correct way round as the underside has a round hole and a teardrop shaped hole which must be orientated correctly. Inspection complete, the reversing cam was installed and tightened and the rest of the framework reinstated. Final checks on the securing nuts on the wheels and motion, it was ready for steam. The guys running the exhibition display kindly let me have a track for testing and I have to say I was absolutely delighted to see my Mallard hauling 8 coaches with ease. Job done!
It just goes to show the great support within the group and for which I am very grateful. Cheers Guys!