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Patt68
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 Posted - April 03 2013 : 5:47:31 PM
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Can anyone help me on an issue I have with my Alco 630 and 430 loco's (with a 1st gen and 2nd gen PT motor) when they are running? I have a layout set up consisting of Tyco brass track that has been cleaned and has no oxidation. I took apart the loco's when I got them, cleaned them up and properly oiled and greased them and put on new traction tires. I also cleaned the brass wheels on them. They both run smooth upside down with test wires attached to them. Now when they run on the track, they hesitate in several spots on the track, but seem to do it less as they make a few laps around. There is always some hesitation though (usually real quick). Now, I also have a Tyco Sante Fe F7 later model (Hong Kong made) Mantua passenger set and when I run the F7 it runs around the track very smooth with no hesitation. Can something be done to the Alco's to eliminate the hesitation? Is the track an issue, or the PT motors. (I don't remember this much hesitation on my Tyco set when I was a kid.) I'm going to eventually switch NS track when I build a permanent layout. Would NS fix that problem?
I also have one more question about my F7. Its a set that consists of an A,B,A and 4 passenger cars. It struggles to pull all of them at once. The motor seems strong and there is new traction tires on the wheels. Can anything be done with the engine or is it just classic underpower. But if underpowered, why was it sold as a set? (It even struggles when I remove the B unit and its the loco, dummy, and 4 passenger cars.)
Thanks for any help you can give me guys. I'm reliving my childhood with my 3 & 1/2 yr. old son and he loves it. I had a huge collection of mostly, new/ factory sealed Tyco sets and individual items and like a complete idiot!, I sold them awhile back figuring I would go with Lionel (which I have alot of) but in our current house, space is limited and you can put so much more in a 4 X 8 layout when its HO. So, I started buying Tyco again. It just kept calling me back. lol. I will eventually bust out the Lionel when we move to a bigger house. Thanks again and its good to be back!
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 Posted - April 03 2013 : 5:57:27 PM
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The only thing I can think of is that there might be a bit too much oil or grease on the axles, and that might prevent them from transferring the electrical current to the motor. I have sometimes switched to a conductive lube like CRC 2-26 or Wahl clipper oil and found that it helps.
Let us know what you eventually find out that works.
-Thomas
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Posted - April 03 2013 : 9:48:54 PM
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Hi Pat,
It sounds like you've done everything right. Thomas is right about grease on the axles acting as an insulator and causing hiccups in the power pickup. There's also a wire lug screwed to the dummy truck, so make sure that screw is tightened, and also the screws that secure the motor cover.
Brass track attracts more dirt over time, but everything should be okay if it's been polished. Make sure the rail joiners are all tight.
When you say the F7 is weak, do you mean it slips, or that the motor bogs down? If it's the latter blast the motor out with contact cleaner (or better yet take it apart and do it), then let it dry and sparingly re-oil the bearings.
I would also oil the axles on the dummy units to reduce the rolling resistance. How well do the passenger cars roll? Many old cars with diecast trucks had the rolling qualities of a brick.
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - April 03 2013 : 10:53:52 PM
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| Regarding the passenger set, as NP said oil the axles on the dummy engines and cars. I often have trouble with my passenger sets too. Usually the engines are just too light to pull all those cars.
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Posted - April 04 2013 : 09:15:56 AM
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I agree with Cheez. If you have a good transformer you could double head your train, two Alcos or use one MU2 powered Alco.
Alco Fan
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Posted - April 04 2013 : 11:41:13 AM
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The Tyco car's and dummies are rather hefty and old tires will split or slip. I've used my PT'd F-Unit with 3 coaches, no problems. My MU-2'd F's do good if wheels are really clean.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Patt68
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 Posted - April 04 2013 : 7:37:01 PM
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Thomas, you were correct on the grease. I cleaned the axels and my Alco's now run smooth. As for the Mu F7, my dummy units are clean and look almost new. The passenger car wheels seem to spin pretty well. When I pull freight cars, I can only haul about 8 before it struggles. The wheels start slipping. Must just be underpowered. Guess I need a PT F 7.
What do you mean by double heading my Alcos? Two powered Alcos cant run smooth together, can they? Thanks for the help guys. It made a difference! Im sure I will be asking for more in the future
.
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Posted - April 05 2013 : 12:27:35 AM
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You could try adding a few ounces inside the rear of the F7 shell with some lead stick-on weights for better traction.
The Tyco Depot
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