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Section 4: TROUBLESHOOTING
Your installation is complete and it is time to run your Shay, something
you've been patiently waiting to do! If you find that the chuffing pattern sounds irregular
or odd, the likely cause is inconsistent contact of the cylinders with the sound contacts.
For the Spectrum® Shay, the mechanics of the engine determine the chuffing rather
than a program in the sound chips. An interrupted chuffing pattern can also cause bells,
whistles, and other sounds to emit randomly or unexpectedly. If you encounter sound
pattern problems, you should check the cylinder–sound contact action of your Shay. To
do this you must remove the cylinder assembly to look inside the engine. Please refer to
the Troubleshooting Guide in your kit (page 7–8) and to Bachmann's Operator's Manual
(page 24) for help in getting inside the Shay.
In correct operation, the cylinders pump up and down and a momentary contact
made between the cylinder head and the brass sound contact. If the cylinder and sound
contact do not meet consistently, the chuffing pattern will not be correct and the sound
system cannot determine what action is required. You should check to see whether the
sound contacts are bent, out of alignment, or broken. If the contacts are simply bent a
little, you may be able to gently straighten them into position. However, if the contacts
are seriously out of alignment or if they are broken, you should get in touch with Bachmann
for further help with repair.
When the connection between the cylinders and sound contacts is firm and consistent,
the chuffing will sound right and all the sounds will then be in synchronization with the
movement of your train.
We wish you many hours of listening pleasure with your Phoenix Big Sound™ system.
Thank you for your order!
