Catastrophy with Kato GS-4s andB'mann 4-8-2

[rogergperkins]

I have three of these GS-4 locomotives all DCC.
I noticed that the pilot truck of one was derailing; when I examined the pilot truck, I discovered the axle is bent so one wheel is way out of alignment.  Ordered a replacement pilot truck.
Just now I put one of the others on the track, the lights work, but no movement!
Must be a curse on my layout.

Similar situation of one of my B'mann 4-8-2 heavy mountains;  I ran it in consist a couple of days ago. Cleared the consist yesterday and the locomotive has lights, but no movement.  The other 4-8-2 mountain which I exchanged tenders was still running as of a few moments ago.

[jprince46]

I have had similar problems.

What I ended up having to do is set up the programming track and reprogram each engine.  It seemed to program the decoders better than trying to use :programming on the main".

[bc6]

From what Ive read/heard POM is not really the best ways to program a loco it's mainly used for programming on the fly. I use programming via the track to do the initial programming of locos, Im not sure the programming track works better but it does.

[SkipGear]

Programming on the main is just fine. It is often the only way to program sound locos because the programming tracks often to not have the current available to overcome the draw created by the sound amplifier.

The only thing wrong with programming on the main is the possibility of wiping out everything on the main if you program in the wrong mode.

Roger,
 For your 4-8-2, it sounds like it is stuck in a consist. Either to a master reset of the loco - CV8=8 or try progamming CV19=0.

[delamaize]

Is it for sure a digital/decoder issue? Or could it be mechanical. I've had problem with one of my gs4s being infected with "old bachman-itus"