Sonic Large Prairie

[geofff]

The old topic is over 120 days , so as recommended I've opened a new topic. I have one on the Sonic Prairies and it is an excellent runner, so I bought another.

The new model stops on certain areas (especially one point)  and the wheels spin, before moving off, which needs a higher speed.

Hopefully Rails will accept it for replacement , but for interest why does the model stop and the wheels spin? None of my other models act this way.

[PLD]

That would sound like something physically catching externally.
Maybe something hanging low underneath such as a loose bolt or the brake rigging catching on something on the track.

[Roy L S]

That would sound like something physically catching externally.
Maybe something hanging low underneath such as a loose bolt or the brake rigging catching on something on the track.

Some models apparently have issues with the pony truck springs being too strong preventing driving wheels from getting proper traction, adjusting the spring length apparently cures the problem.

All the above said, mine runs very nicely with no such issues.

Roy

[Bob Tidbury]

Yes probably it  is the front and rear springs lifting the driving wheels of the track
The trucks just pull out be carefull not to loose the springs  I cut about 3 or 4 links of each spring ,while you have removed the trucks check the wheel back to backs they might be catching on the frogs which is stopping the loco in the first place . other members have I believe removed the springs altogether with no bad effects ,but I left the shortened spring in so that they still lightly press the trucks down on the track as they also pick up current which helps to stop the locos stalling .
  but still shorten the springs anyway  as it will improve the haulage capacity of the loco ,mine pulls 10 Peco tanks with no slipping at all .
When the model came out we were testing our models at the club my one needed the spring shortened so did 2 other members but 3 members locos were fine without the need to shorten the springs ,So as the springs are so tiny it does depend on how they were made some stronger than others .
Bob
Bob

[geofff]

Thanks for the replies.

 The first Prairie is excellent, but the new model has the problem. With arthritis and two left thumbs , it's going back and hope for a better replacement.


Regards


Geoff

[Newportnobby]

Quite right, too. If the problem is with the loco we shouldn't have to mess with them