I received a GS4 for Christmas and test ran it on my NCE DCC system the next day and all was well. Today I tried to run it again and there was no movement. I did the startup with the F3 key as required and the sound started. When I increased the throttle,the sound increased as if it was moving,but it stood still. I then turned the sound off and tried to run it again without sound. I could her the motor spinning,but no movement again.It appears as if the motor is spinning,but maybe a universal driveshaft is loose with the motor shaft turning in the socket. I have not taken it apart to determind if my diagnosis is correct,but it sure sounds like that. Has anyone else had this issue,what was the cause,what was the fix? I plan on contacting MTH tomorrow,I was just wondering if this a unique or common problem. Any help and/or advice will be appreciated.
I have had the same exact problem with mine, I contacted MTH and they want me to return it. You have to expect this from the first run I guess. Just go on the website and email them. You can call too. Sorry For your frustration, mine is collecting dust awaiting a RMA number from MTH. I also did not take mine apart, but they told me over the phone it does not void the warranty if you take it apart. Sorry I do not have the magic answer.
I am sure they will fix it, but several problems have been reported on the forums with the MTH GS4’s. I skipped it since the drivers are 77" in scale size and the tender drawbar cannot be shorten up to look correct. Hope you get it back soon and it works like it should.
They may have rushed it to market knowing BLI had it on their schedule in the near future and did not take the time to test and QC these models correctly.
I spoke with MTH tech support today,and he acknowledeged there has been an issue with the universal socket slipping on the motor shaft. He stated they were fixing those sent in with Loctite. I asked if this was something I could do myself without voiding the warranty,and he said yes.The following are the steps I took to access the motor/universal and apply the Loctite.
Remove the screw at the top front of the boiler under an hatch. The hatch can be removed with an xacto knife by prying up.You will see the screw underneath.There is also a hatch and screw to remove on the top of the cab.After removing these two screws,the boiler will lift off.There is limited access at this point. I chose to remove the motor for easier access. To do this,remove the two screws holding the booster truck and remove the truck itself. You will see two screws under the truck that hold the motor. Remove these and the motor and universal will be free. Reattach the universal to the motor shaft using the Loctite.That is the fix that MTH does and reccommends. Doing it yourself saves time and energy,and does not void the warranty.
I know one should not have to go to these lengths on such a high end model,but it is what it is,and it;s a simple fix. Now if it had been an electronis issue,I’d have been at a loss and back it would have gone.Years of building Hobbytown chassis have come in handy!
I hope this helps those who might have a similar problem and don’t want to go through the hassle and months it would take to return it.
I spoke with MTH tech support today,and he acknowledeged there has been an issue with the universal socket slipping on the motor shaft. He stated they were fixing those sent in with Loctite. I asked if this was something I could do myself without voiding the warranty,and he said yes.The following are the steps I took to access the motor/universal and apply the Loctite.
It is interesting that this same motor shaft problem has been reported on the MTH Mohawk also. Two out of three tested had the same problem and the same fix was advised.
They probably use the same motor (mine is a Canon) and universal socket combo. I’ll bet all the motors and universal sockets are are standard item which was obtained in bulk before the problem surfaced. In their defense,I’ve seen it happen with other manufactures products also,maybe in more isolated circumstances though. As stated in an earlier post,the first production run might explain some glitches that need to be worked out. I remember when I bought an Infinity G35 the first month it was available,there was a problem with the motor that none at the dealer couldn’t figure out. They eventually had a tech rep fly in from California (I’m in Illinois) to try to figure it out. When it was finally diagnosed,the car ran like a dream,and still does to this day 6 years later. Since MTH is aware of the issue,and fully acknowledges it,I’m sure future runs or models using the same drive,will be fixed.
It is nearly the same fix with the GS-4 as with their Mohawk. It`s only to look out for the screws in other places. I did not remove the motor but it was no problem to get the glue on the right places.