The internals are closest to this one:
Bachmann GP35 @ tcsdcc.com]https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/1217]Bachmann GP35 @ tcsdcc.comI had installed the NCE BACH-DSL decoder (sorry, mentioned wrong company above)
NCE BACH-DSL Silent DecoderAnd, yes, the chokes and capacitors have been removed.
I took Gib's advice and tore the whole thing down yesterday. When wired up
just enough to spin the motor, the motor ran fine at normal (compared to my other locos) current. None of the wires were pinched and nothing was binding in the trucks - though one truck gave greater resistance than the other when spinning by hand. That happened to be the same truck where the drive shaft keeps coming off.
After reassembly and everything lightly hanging out on top, I ran the loco with the same issue - then re-ran the Full Motor Load Current test - and then I was back in business. Slow, but at a normal current when running. With everything properly reinstalled and taped/screwed down, it seems to be working good. I paired it with four other locos and ran them around the track and I could hear wheels grinding - like that drive shaft was slipping off again.
I think that truck and the slipping drive shaft may be at the root of the problem. Perhaps that was effecting the motor load current test when I first set it up? I'm going to tear the truck apart and fully service/rebuilt it and see if that helps the situation.
As far as Voltage/Current goes, I think I've got my issue solved. The overall problems with this loco, continue...
Thanks for your help!