Comments on: Atlas MP 15 Switcher https://blog.model-train-help.com/2022/12/atlas-mp-15-switcher.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=atlas-mp-15-switcher Model railroads and model trains Wed, 18 Jan 2023 19:50:35 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Robert M https://blog.model-train-help.com/2022/12/atlas-mp-15-switcher.html#comment-61139 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 19:50:35 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=6631#comment-61139 In reply to Jim Myrhum.

Thanks, but my track & wheels are cleaner then my dinner ware.
Atlas admits to a problem but have no replacements, yet.
I hate to buy a new MP15, but love this units sound.

]]> By: Frank B https://blog.model-train-help.com/2022/12/atlas-mp-15-switcher.html#comment-61117 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 01:03:14 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=6631#comment-61117 It the chassis or body are disintegrating, possibly “zinc pest” ?  
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_pest  
  
 But your described symptoms sound like intermittent contact, possibly by dirt or corrosion between the sections of the current path between the track and the motor. Clean: 1) wheel rims 2) axles/inner wheels (pickup surfaces) 3) if you are clever, clean the motor commutator (may be possible by poking through motor casing openings ) 
 
 On some locos, I fit additional wires and contacts to bypass poor electrical circuit routes.

]]> By: Jim Myrhum https://blog.model-train-help.com/2022/12/atlas-mp-15-switcher.html#comment-61034 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 18:56:23 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=6631#comment-61034 In reply to Robert.

Had a problem like that also. Engine stopped going into a cross. After investigation, I concluded, that the only answer was the engine was being raised off of the track ( it don’t take much ).
I got a pick out, and started scraping the inside of the crossing around the flange ( the bottom of the rail ). did just enough so now that 4 – 6 – 2 runs through the crossing with no problems.
If your engine is stalling mid-track — dirty track — start cleaning.

]]> By: Robert https://blog.model-train-help.com/2022/12/atlas-mp-15-switcher.html#comment-60902 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 06:20:47 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=6631#comment-60902 Remove the motor or suspend the frame on a block of wood. Apply power to the motor directly. If you still get your problem symptoms it’s probably a motor problem. If it runs smoothly then you have a dirt/pickup problem so clean everything you can including your track. I would try cleaning first.
Robert

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