ScaleTrains.com GE C44-9W Autopsy, Fixing a defective drive system

[@cg7494]

Nothing beats success. Glad to see she didn't have to spend too much time in the Back Shop. As soon as you took the fuel tank off I spotted that speaker cavity and thought that would be the perfect place for some weight to aid in traction.

[@IMRROcom]

Not much can go in that cavity, but a little always helps.

[@KeyesRacing]

Had the exact same issue with a rivet counter dash 9. Emailed their support team, waited a day & got a response on how to fix it and had it fixed & running perfectly shortly thereafter. Glad to see I wasn’t the only one that had this happen

[@IMRROcom]

Yes, works now

[@colinmansell3524]

Great tool tips thanks Eric

[@IMRROcom]

Thanks, they work for me

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

Finally, i can rest now that Ive seen this video. Thankfully it was an easy fix

[@IMRROcom]

Joe, it is only N scale... :)

[@jolliemark6294]

A nice & easy fix Eric, glad it wasn't anything more the just a slipped gear box. Just a hint use Tungston weight it heavier than lead....thanks for sharing....Jack 👍

[@IMRROcom]

I have lead all ready :) At this point with all 6 wheels working it might not be that big of a deal.

[@mikeburton8687]

Great autopsy Eric glad you identified and fixed the problem. Great video..keeping it frosty!!

[@IMRROcom]

Thanks

[@ralphgreenwood5857]

Cool fix Eric!!

[@IMRROcom]

Thanks Ralph

[@N-Scale]

Glad it was an easy fix.

[@IMRROcom]

For me yes, I have no issues fixing stuff, but for a mechanically challenged person. This is a huge major issues. We both know that :)

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Just a loose clip? That could have happened in shipping. Glad it was an easy fix.

[@IMRROcom]

In my opinion it was not installed properly. Something like a retaining clip, in my opinion just do not back off or pop of a latch hook. if they do then there is another manufacturing/engineering problem that needs to be looked at. Might not of been a problem for me. but others are mechanically challenged, so it would be a problem for them. We both know that is true :)

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

@@IMRROcom Agreed.

[@DGModelworks]

Glad it was an easy fix....unfortunately this seems to be the new normal with most manufacturers.

[@IMRROcom]

Easy for some, total disaster for others.

[@KerleyExpress]

You sure got a good camera to see those tiny parts.I don't call those screws small they are tiny lol I'm glad it was a easy fix

[@IMRROcom]

It is just an old HDR Sony Handy Cam set to Macro. I also use a DJI 4K pocket camera too. but it does not zoom.

[@normanrowe2831]

Good job Dr. Eric. I love that tool, I need one. Thanks for sharing. Later...

[@IMRROcom]

Yes you do, not a Dr. But a Senior Level Tech for 21 year at intel... Not including the 6 years as a Tech in the Navy :) Technician Hall :)

[@brtree74]

Cool video series Eric. Enjoyed watching as always, glad you got it sorted out and operating well. They look awesome, but definitely not good enough for a brand new locomotive.

[@IMRROcom]

Thanks 👍

[@grandparails8858]

Eric, good to see you got it sorted out. QC definitely missed this for sure. I was really hoping when they started they were going to make everything here. As far as couplers go they haven't learned their lesson yet HO/N suck we keep asking them to change and they refuse.

[@IMRROcom]

MTL couplers for sure, As long as it was not under load. The 1 powered truck would move it along. You could see in the consisting demo. Just putting it under load, it could not handle that.

[@scottperry6674]

Warranty not voided. You didn't alter any component of the locomotive.

[@IMRROcom]

Let us be honest they have no obligation to me, I was expected to pay the shipping cost back to scaletrains.com adding to the cost of the model that was brand new and shipped direct from them to me. It was my problem and I was on my own on this. misuse, improper maintenance, and/or modification are not covered under warranty. I'm sure I ticked one of those boxes.

[@brtree74]

Hi Eric. Watching this great series again as I’m having trouble converting my Scale-Trains tier4 couplers to MT. Do you remember what MT couplers you used for the conversion? I only have 1015-10’s and the coupler box is way too wide to fit between the metal frame triangles. Did you file the sides of the box down to fit, or is there another version of MT’s that works? Cheers man, also I really enjoyed watching the interview you did the other day. -Brad👍

[@IMRROcom]

I never got around to do that conversion yet. I ended up putting them on the shelf. But if it is like the ScaleTrains cars you replace the gut out of them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXvKeIOrh5mFebs

[@brtree74]

Cool Eric👍 Thanks for the link. The factory fitted ones totally fell apart on my locomotives, they are lost in the ties of the track somewhere on the layout. I will let you know if I find a solution that doesn’t involve the file or a dremmel😅

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

When you get a unit from them it shouldn't need repairs, China junk. It should run like gold right out of the box with the price you pay for it. You can't beat Kato's quality. Bob

[@IMRROcom]

That is True. They also wanted me to pay for shipping to send it back to them to get it fixed. It was brand new out of the box from Scaletrains.com Had it for less then a few hours.

[@MattsTrainArchive]

THECOMMENTMASTER 7 their HO products are great, but that’s what the specialize in. They could do more work with N scale.

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Well....That sucks.

[@tanzj]

Eric, I see very poor quality control at the Chinese factory for a overly hyped model train brand. I would have sent it back for a refund or replacement engine. Also having the screw holder is no fun as I really enjoy chasing around the screws that seemingly spring up in the air and travel great distances (HA HA)....John

[@IMRROcom]

I was not going to pay shipping to send it back. Next step would be selling it on eBay. The Claw!

[@davebnsfnscale4433]

You can use MT without mods you showed as boxes have guide bosses,if your fix voids your warranty I would not buy from them

[@IMRROcom]

I will be replacing with MTs. Just like you, I did not know what the problem was tell I opened it. I only had the model for a few hours. Then opened it up a day later to see what the problem was.