My two month old Roundhouse 4-4-0 just shorted out while running slowly through the yard. The engine (without cars) quit - the 1156 bulb lit up - all wheels were on the track and all other engines worked fine when tried and the one running on the continuous run loop continued to run and respond to commands. I am using a Prodigy Advance DCC system.
Off the track, checked for any unusual debris, and found none. Ohmmeter shows a direct short across the engine/tender wheels. Placed on a DC track and the PS indicated a direct short.
Called Athearn and was told to send it in. When I asked about return time; I was told that one person did all of the repairs and it just depended on how busy he was - possibly one month.
I will let you know what happens.
For reference - my initial mini-review of this engine:
I dont think it can be the decoder. When you get a dead short through a decoder they just release thier magic smoke and generally dont stand up to full track voltage running though them. My first guess is the wiring, either insulation wore off or something broke loose and is now touching something it shouldn’t. I would take it apart and look inside before sending it off because the fix could be as easy as soldering a wire or wrapping some electrical tape.
We may never know what really happened. I bought a replacement today (same engine, different road name) at Caboose Hobbies where I purchased the dead engine. Road name is not important as it gets re-badged anyhow. In talking with them; they indicated that they “usually” would exchange the engine for the first 90 days after a sale. I will take it back tomorrow and see if this fits the “usual” conditions (I have had it less than 90 days). I do suspect the decoder as there is no visable damage or problem (even under magnification).
Other than “poor sound”, I was/am happy with this product. I bought another because I “need” another 4-4-0 and the Bachmann is not available yet. I bought a Bachmann 4-6-0 Spectrum and quite frankly I am not happy with the quality of the product; I hope the new 4-4-0 is better built. If I ever hear more; I will report to the forum.
I just got back from Caboose Hobbies. They changed out the defective unit for a new one. They clarified the exchange policy to a “normal” 30 days not the ninety that I was quoted by the salesman; however they swapped out my 47 day old engine after verifying that it was in fact shorted out across the wheels.
I now have two of the Roundhouse 4-4-0’s; so I can continue to operate, if one fails.