Dark Arts: Sorcerer's Apprentice Part 1

Ok, so Sunday I'm out with the rescue team but I take along a couple of locos which ultimately get some "testing" by the grandchildren whilst we are there.  AFter about 30 mins, one decides to play up and basically refuse to obey any DCC commands..

Appears to run on DC (analog).
Loose wire is suspected.
Deep Breath time...
Open the chassis...

For those who know Paul (aka Stainzmeister) from other places then I'm deeply impressed by the neatness of the wiring and extra weight.   

The downside is no obvious loose wires on the top part.  

I'd previously tried a change the loco ID to no effect. 

Tonight I tried a factory re-set on basic settings and motor functions on the chip.  I'm not sure its registering as I'm not hearing the "click" I would ordinarily expect.   

Before going further though its time to see if I can read the chip which means getting the SPROG 3 I bought for Christmas into effect.  For various reasons (my health, elderly mum with dementia, complexity) then I've not actually loaded the software (tried to but the machine rejects the disc so it's going to have to be a download and install) and then checked all the wiring....

Keep watching for more updates....

Meanwhile...

 

Chris