I own a first run MTH Hudson, not even sure exactly when it was made, I just remember waiting a few years for it to come in after it was announced (like everything MTH has ever done in G-scale).
Anyway, on my old layout the Hudson never saw much use because of the tight radius curves, but even with very limited use (less then 3-hours) the original drivetrain failed.(it looked like it had a broken axle as the wheels could not even rotate)
My local dealer repaired it under warranty with a complete new drivetrain, when I finally had gotten the engine back all I did was test it to make sure it worked (back and forth on a straight section, then back in the box).
I am guessing, but this was probably 10 years ago(?).
So after building my new layout last year with larger radius curves I decided to give the engine another try. And as I remembered the smoke and the sound was fantastic… but run wise, not so much.
The engine (like my new Accucraft 45T switcher) had a bad waddle (wheels are not true) and it just bothered me seeing a big engine like this not run smooth so… back on the shelf it went.
For some reason last night I wanted to give it another try, my track had been recently all re-leveled and we smoothened the grade out to less then 1% in my one troublesome corner (which is now trouble free).
Set the engine on the track, applied some power, the sound started up, the smoke started to pump out, the train started moving slowly… moved about 4’ and then the sound system started the break squeal like I was slowing the engine down (which I was not) and then it just abruptly stopped and went into reverse!
Now all it does is go in reverse, you can hear something clicking inside the engine when you switch the track power forward/reverse… but it does not change the direction of the loco… just runs in reverse.
Any ideas, or should I just resort to knowing this engine was destined to be a shelf queen?
