I recently purchased a MTH Bl-2, Premier edition, from my LHS (now gone). Testing it with nothing but a caboose and a dummy unit attached, it worked fine. However, I added four K-Line die cast flatcars - the ones with 4 4-wheel trucks. I know these cars are heavier than the typical plastic variety, but the BL-2 could only pull them on a flat track. It could not make it up my 2% grade which is 3" high at peak.
I suppose engine cost is a factor here. The BL-2 price was $280.00. I have a MTH Premier Shay which set me back about $800.00. That baby pulls anything I throw at it.
Anyone out there have any experience with the above mentioned BL-2? Could mine be just not working properly? I am running it in DCS mode.
Try running it in non DCS mode and see what happens. Also there may be a wire harness that came loose during shipping, so take the shell off and gently push the miniture wire connectors in just a little.
I had a problem a few years ago with a Lionel GP-7 that acted the same way except it was just a regular engine no TMCC, so I sold it on ebay.
My first thought would be to check to make sure both motors are working, assuming it has a motor for each truck. I’d guess the drag of a nonworking power truck would suck the life out of an engine quickly. If only one is running, look for loose connections, pinched wires, or burned or brittle wires going to the motors.
Less likely, but anything’s possible, is that the motors could be spinning in opposite directions, and are fighting each other.
As far as I can tell these were made back in 1996, so they would be proto 1 engines. If this is correct it is a good chance that Tom is correct the traction tires may be missing or cracked from age. The list price in 1996 was 299 so you certainly did not get a good deal on this item. There may have been a later run, but I am not aware of one. Maybe someone else can chime in.