Hi: A friend helped put a 66032 in an relatively unused 3088 (small diesel). The result was not completely satisfactory. The lights work, but the motor does not run, it makes a buzzing sound, but no movement. This occurs both on an AC layout as well as on a digital layout using decode address 80, which is the address that the decoder was set for. In addition, the lights change over with either the AC over voltage or the digital direction change. Also, in digital the lights dim as the velocity is increased.

I have come to the following conclusions:

1. The decoder seems to working fine.

2. The problem is either that the motor is is not appropriate for this type of conversion or that the decoder is correctly wired except to the motor.

Can you please comment on whether you think these conclusions are valid and what to try next? If you think that something else might be up, please tell me. In addition, if you want more specific information, ask me, and I will post it.

Thanks.--MM

1) Before rebuilding, check if the motor is working correct.
2) Check, and check again, if all the wires are in the correct place. I also compare with a locomotive rebuilded by Märklin, just to be sure.
3) The decoder may not hit the metal frame.
4) Check all the soldering points.
5) Check with another address.

FYI: The 3088 worked before, but I will play around, and see what more I can tell you.

Keep sending in suggestions.--MM

Hi Pietro,

The conversion you proposed is something I've done for numerous times already, and, I have to say, it works flawlessly. Good that you've pointed it out!

Yet more information:

I have set up a small M-track layout with turnouts controlled by an IB and Viessmann solenoid decoders. When I put the partially converted 3088 onto the layout and try to control it via address 80, the lights turn on, and they switch over with direction, but no movement occurs (this was previously written about). The new observation is that the turnout lights dim considerably as I increase the power to the 3088. It's lights also dim. Thus a lot of current is being drawn when I do this, much more than I would expect to actually drive the 3088. So:

What does this indicate:

1. A short in the 3088 motor?
2. A fault/short in the 66032?
3. A clue in an erroneous installation?

Please post your ideas and I will have a look when I next find the time.

Thanks again to all for helping with this.--MM