Murphy Models 071 loco fault

[Thameslink]

I purchased a second hand 071 class loco from an ebay seller earlier this year. The loco had been running fine on my DC track, however it has now stopped working. I have a Gaugemaster Model D controller unit, the LED on the unit glows red when the loco is placed onto a powered track. Normally the LED should glow yellow. In addition I can feel heat at the top of the loco body. Any ideas what's causing the problem and is there anywhere in Britain where I can send the loco off for a repair?

[irishthump]

The red light on the controller and the heat from the loco would suggest there is a short circuit of some kind. Do all of your locos run ok?

[Thameslink]

Yes I have an old Hornby loco that runs fine. 

[irishthump]

27 minutes ago, Thameslink said:

Yes I have an old Hornby loco that runs fine. 

OK,I really think the loco will need to be opened up to locate the short. Can you do that yourself or is there a dealer near you that can offer that kind of service?

[Thameslink]

5 minutes ago, irishthump said:

OK,I really think the loco will need to be opened up to locate the short. Can you do that yourself or is there a dealer near you that can offer that kind of service?

I think I will need someone professional to repair it, I've emailed Murphy Models asking how I can get it repaired. I'm in London, is there a repair shop relatively local that would handle a Murphy Models repair?

[enniscorthyman]

6 minutes ago, Thameslink said:

I think I will need someone professional to repair it, I've emailed Murphy Models asking how I can get it repaired. I'm in London, is there a repair shop relatively local that would handle a Murphy Models repair?

It's well worth having a look yourself.

The 071 body is held on by 4 screws.Turn the loco upsidedown and locate the holes around the bogie area.The screws are recessed far in.When you get the screws out the centre part of the body lifts of.As you said some heat came from the top of the body,check the 21pin blanking plate and have a good look around with a bright light.Check with the loco on the track and see if there is a problem somewhere.

If the blanking plate is the problem,you should be able to get one somewhere.

[DiveController]

It is definitely a short. Instructions from your type of model controller

OPERATION:

Each output on your GAUGEMASTER controller is fitted with a vari-colour LED. At zero output the LED will glow red, and dependant upon the control level selected, will change colour through the range of red to orange and then green. Should the LED remain red, or change immediately from any other colour to red, then an overload condition has occurred and the unit has ‘tripped’. Having investigated and rectified the overload condition the unit should be reset in accordance with the instruction below. Please note that whilst a tripped condition exists it may be possible to measure a small no load voltage at the output. This is normal.

Each output pair is protected by resetable circuit breakers. Should an over load condition occur the appropriate LED will glow red, and remain so irrespective of the output level set on the controller (See OPERATION). To reset the unit, having first investigated and rectified the reason for the overload, turn the appropriate control knob to and zero wait approx. 30 sec. before using the equipment as normal.

Agree with Enniscorthyman, worth having a look yourself. You'll need a small jewelers screwdriver to open the screws, available any hobby/hardware store. Don't drop the loco and place the screws in a small container

You may find a loose wire or something metallic/foil etc that may have gotten into the loco  or the bogies might do it.

 

[Thameslink]

On 27/10/2020 at 12:19 AM, DiveController said:

It is definitely a short. Instructions from your type of model controller

OPERATION:

Each output on your GAUGEMASTER controller is fitted with a vari-colour LED. At zero output the LED will glow red, and dependant upon the control level selected, will change colour through the range of red to orange and then green. Should the LED remain red, or change immediately from any other colour to red, then an overload condition has occurred and the unit has ‘tripped’. Having investigated and rectified the overload condition the unit should be reset in accordance with the instruction below. Please note that whilst a tripped condition exists it may be possible to measure a small no load voltage at the output. This is normal.

Each output pair is protected by resetable circuit breakers. Should an over load condition occur the appropriate LED will glow red, and remain so irrespective of the output level set on the controller (See OPERATION). To reset the unit, having first investigated and rectified the reason for the overload, turn the appropriate control knob to and zero wait approx. 30 sec. before using the equipment as normal.

Agree with Enniscorthyman, worth having a look yourself. You'll need a small jewelers screwdriver to open the screws, available any hobby/hardware store. Don't drop the loco and place the screws in a small container

You may find a loose wire or something metallic/foil etc that may have gotten into the loco  or the bogies might do it.

 

Just to say it was sent across to Gerry Kennedy from MM in Dublin, who not only repaired the original fault but sorted out the lights and broken guard rails for a very reasonable price, and I got it back in time before any B**x*t related restrictions on the post. Delighted with the work done. 

[IANG]

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Edited October 23, 2023 by IANG
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