Dapol Schools class

[geofff]

Hello

Brand new model of the Dapol Schools class arrived today. The loco moved a centimetre and has not moved since. There is no sound from the motor and the controller alarm sounds after a few seconds.  The only suggestion from the dealer is that the tender is not making contact and they suggested using traction tyres.

It is being return I'm but I'm curious to find out what the problem is. Can anyone help?

Regards


Geoff

[jpendle]

Hi,

It would be helpful to be more specific.

What controller are you using?

Also traction tyres should only be used on loco wheels that are designed for them. So if the Schools uses traction tyres they should already have been fitted to the loco. If it doesn't then you shouldn't try to fit them.

Regards,

John P

[Dickydcc]

I'm often wrong but I thought Dapol steamers had a drive shaft from the tender thus driving the loco. So, fitting traction tyres to the tender wouldn't do any good? Also if its a problem with traction you would get some wheel spin?

[geofff]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm using a Gaugemaster model Q controller - about 30 years old, but all other locos run OK. The only time the alarm on the controller has been set off was when I left a drawing pin in the track.

Dickydcc - yes you are correct - there is an external drive shaft between the loco and tender. the traction tyres were suggested by the retailer - I've never come across them before.


Geoff

[PLD]

The Model Q doesnt have any sort of audible warning, so I'm not sure what you are referring to by "the controller alarm sounds"...

Putting that aside, the symptoms would point towards a short circuit. The most likely culprit is a component on the PCB in the tender or if a DCC chip is fitted that may have not liked being run on DC...

Whatever, it's absolutely nothing to do with Traction tyres, and the dealer either has no idea what they are talking about or is trying to fob you off... I would be returning it to them with a request for a refund and purchacing a replacement from somewhere else.

[geofff]

Gaugemaster Model Q 4 track controller.

PLD - Thanks for the reply.

Above each speed controller there is a red light. When triggered (i.e. by the Schools class) a "ping" is made and the light remains on until the speed controller is turned off. The controller is at least 30 years old.

DC not DCC, I'm still in the dark ages. My layout was consigned to the loft 12 years ago and has  been released during the first lockdown. I've tried to resurrect it on the cheap and re-used everything that I can.

Regards


Geoff

[Newportnobby]

the dealer either has no idea what they are talking about or is trying to fob you off... I would be returning it to them with a request for a refund and purchacing a replacement from somewhere else.

My sentiments, too. It may not be the way you want to go but it's only by returning poor quality the manufacturers become aware of the extent of issues.

[geofff]

Rails of Sheffield !

[Newportnobby]

My 'go to' box shifter. They're generally pretty good and if you ask, they should send you a returns label so you don't incur postage costs.

[geofff]

They did react very quickly to my problem and the return label been e-mailed last night. So, they have retrieved the situation. Their prices are the big attraction.

[Newportnobby]

I've trained my relatives to get me Rails vouchers for birthdays and Christmases