"A life-like problem w/ life-like loco's"

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Well here’s a question for anybody that I hope can help.[?] I have two "life-like GP40’s that I have CLEANED!! and I still have trouble with the profomance,Is there a special way to maintain these loco’s? It’s sad[:(] I would set them on the track for a trip around the layout the headlights are “on”. Both seem to be ready for the run,I would give them some DCC juice and “nothin’”[xx(] they would both just die. Is there something I’m missing that I could do (OR) do I have a pair of “hoopti loco’s”?? Has anybody had any trouble with there “life-like” loco’s [?] Signed, frazzled L-L LOCO owner.
[xx(]
TrainsRMe[8D]

2

Did you by any chance reverse the decoders in their slots? Or get some wires crossed? If the motors are fairly new, and properly cleaned, I don’t see why they shouldn’t work. The track is clean? Nothing installed backwards? Are wire connections clean and free from oxidation/corrosion?

Someone will come along and give you more pointed advice.

3

I agree to check the wiring for the decoders. After that I would reset the decoders to factory default. You may have changed a CV that is causing the problem. Never had any problems with lifelike products here. Always run smooth for me.

4

I have about a dozen or so Proto locos and the only trouble I’ve had was when a Digitrax DCS200 died, it changed CV29 in a 2-8-8-2. Took me forever to find out what was wrong. It would light up, pump air, and make all the sounds, but no movement or response to any of the “F” button commands.

Look at CV 29 and see if it’s been changed from where you had it set.

5

I did have a problem like you described and it turned out to be a CV that somehow got changed. I swear I didn’t do it but somehow it got changed. What type of decoder did you install?

6

Are these locos generic LL ???

And what scale ???

I don’t think LL put this loco out in Proto 2000 (P2K) or P1K in either HO or N.

(Atlas produces the top line GP40s).

If generic LL, it is just a step above Model Power, so I would expect problems !!!

7

Gballey, They are generic LL also they are anolog loco’s