Bachmann Ivatt 2MT Causing 'Overload' Error with Hornby DCC Controller

[latestarter]

My Bachmann Ivatt 2MT (with a sound decoder) is just back (yesterday) from the repairer, who fixed a problem with the wheel linkages coming loose. It ran quite smoothly, but not perfectly, for an hour so, and then seemed to have problems connecting to the track. I managed to get sound from it, by holding it down and/or moving it back and forth.

But, now it's causing the EO (overload) error on my Hornby select controller, on a fully bus-wired DCC layout. The error won't clear while the loco is on the track, but, once removed, it will clear and then 'shorts' again when the Ivatt is re-railed.

Can anyone suggest what might be going on? The photo shows the pickups, which seem to be in the right places.

Thanks, Stephen

Edited July 30, 2022 by latestarter

[MikeParkin65]

On 30/07/2022 at 14:06, latestarter said:

My Bachmann Ivatt 2MT (with a sound decoder) is just back (yesterday) from the repairer, who fixed a problem with the wheel linkages coming loose. It ran quite smoothly, but not perfectly, for an hour so, and then seemed to have problems connecting to the track. I managed to get sound from it, by holding it down and/or moving it back and forth.

But, now it's causing the EO (overload) error on my Hornby select controller, on a fully bus-wired DCC layout. The error won't clear while the loco is on the track, but, once removed, it will clear and then 'shorts' again when the Ivatt is re-railed.

Can anyone suggest what might be going on? The photo shows the pickups, which seem to be in the right places.

Thanks, Stephen

Looked at the photo but unfortunately can't see anything obvious so can only offer general pointers I'm afraid. First, you mention problems with the 'wheel linkages coming loose'. I am assuming you are talking about the coupling and connecting rods on the loco. So has anything come loose again and perhaps fouling the free movement of the wheels? Can you gently check that the wheels move under finger pressure? Is the loco still set to move on your controller? If it is and its jammed that would cause an overload. Second, that loco to tender plug - is it it fully pressed home and are the wires physically in good condition - could it be shorting there? Thirdly, was the sound fitted by 'the repairer' - regardless is it shorting somewhere - I'm guessing the speaker is in the tender but has the wiring been modified in any way? 

 

Not much help I know but I think it looks like it it needs taking apart and the problem identified by a process of elimination. Or back to that repairer.

 

Last thought, both of my 2MTs are silky smooth runners (despite the short wheelbase and lack of pick ups on the tender). Sound requires more power and I believe the Select is quite basic controller. Is the higher power demand exceeding what the controller can provide?

 

Good luck

[markw]

The highlighted slidebar looks bent forcing the crosshead out of position and probably jamming it solid,and the highlighted pickup is not touching the wheel.

[latestarter]

@markw and @MikeParkin65 Thanks very much for your replies. That slide-bar, has literally just been fixed and came back from the dealer on Friday. So, I hope that's not an issue.

I have just seen 2 wires hanging loose from the orange connection box. I assume, that's the reason for no power. I have no idea how they came off - and certainly no idea at all about how to put them back. I think that loco is going to become a quite expensive ornament on the layout!

Edited August 1, 2022 by latestarter

[adb968008]

If the wires have come out of the orange jst connector, your going to need a specialist tool to put them back, or replace the connector and resolder the wires.

 

tbh, if it just came back from repairs, i’d be sending it back to them again.

 

Agreed the slidebar does look bent.. on a balanced system, the next question would be why its bent… as something else is out if true to have had the force present itself there.

 

 

[Pete the Elaner]

1 hour ago, latestarter said:

@markw and @MikeParkin65 Thanks very much for your replies. That slide-bar, has literally just been fixed and came back from the dealer on Friday. So, I hope that's not an issue.

I have just seen 2 wires hanging loose from the orange connection box. I assume, that's the reason for no power. I have no idea how they came off - and certainly no idea at all about how to put them back. I think that loco is going to become a quite expensive ornament on the layout!

 

Shouldn't be expensive at all. Just a little longer without having your loco.

I agree with everything above: if wires have come loose from the connector, they are almost certainly the problem. Send it back. A reputable repairer or dealer will not want a dissatisfied customer.