Stealthtax

Thanks for all the replies, i found the problem was the rear cartazzi truck pivot bolt (much shorter than older models, and no spring). I removed the black paint from the 2 mating surfaces (to allow power through better), cleaned the copper washer, and added extra washers, and now it runs perfect. I noticed on a much later tender drive a4, Hornby had identified this as a problem and have wires connected to the drawbar. I will eventually do this mod on the A3, it would definetely be needed for DCC. Also the later chassis has a shinier stronger osselated washer (sp?) on the pivot bolt, which is better than the old copper washer. I run alot of tender drives, and loco drives, and have no problem with muck from the traction tyres, but i do regularly clean the tyres. I find that dirty wheels on rolling stock is a bigger culprit!

I recently bought a Hornby A3 R295 (dick turpin, BR green 60080) ringfield tender drive, which i beleive was made in 1996. It is in excellent condition, but runs very jerky like a kangaroo. It was very cheap so its not the end of the world! I have dozens of other Hornby ringfield steamers that i've serviced and got them all running perfect, but this one will not respond to the usual maintenance. The problem is within the loco, i know this because i have tested it with other healthy ringfield tenders and it still kangaroos. The kangarooing is pretty extreme. The loco pickups are through the axles (not wiper pickups). I have had the wheels out and cleaned them all (and the chassis) with no luck. Also i've tried a new drawbar from peters spares. The wheels and axles still have plenty of shiney metal on them. All i can think is the rear bogey is not transferring power, or its got the wrong type of draw bar, or the wheels/axles are worn out? I am reluctant to buy any more new bits for it in case i still get no joy? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.