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 Posted - December 04 2016 : 10:47:56 AM
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I bought a Mantua Plymouth Yard Diesel at the local train show for $10, and when I got it home I took it apart to add new couplers (the originals were broken). Now, after putting it back together again many, many times, and cleaning the wheels thoroughly, it kind of works. When first put on the track, it will run. Then, it'll run it bursts and spurts if you squeeze the sides slightly. Taking it back off and putting it back on the track will again make it run for a short time fine. Also, the most concerning problem, IT SHOOTS SPARKS! It seems to kick sparks out from under the chassis when running occasionally, and I doubt that's supposed to happen. Could anyone help me here?
sim-al2
Also since they cut track maintaince the trains had huge trouble making over the railroad by the end
純那
yeah
They did a Rock Island volountarily
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Posted - December 04 2016 : 11:13:13 AM
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What you have is a dirt problem. Somewhere along the electrical pathway, there is resistance, you need to take apart the whole engine, chassis, etc and CLEAN EVERYTHING thoroughly. Polish all brass points of contact, from the brush levers, etc. When it arcs and sparks, it's a continuity issue. something still isn't right.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - December 04 2016 : 1:26:13 PM
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You also may want to check the wheel clearances, ie. how much side to side play is there in the wheels in the trucks?
I only mention this because I had the same problem with a 10 wheeler. Turns out there was enough side play in one wheel set that allowed the insulated wheel to periodically touch the frame and sparks would fly.
May not be your problem but something to consider.
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Posted - March 23 2020 : 8:51:09 PM
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| What might be missing are the little insulators at each end of the side frames. You will not find them if they are missing. I made my own by using paper spackle tape and cutting the replacement to fit using the small Swiss Army knife scissors. The have to be boxed shape to work.....
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Posted - March 24 2020 : 03:13:59 AM
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What is that high pressure spray for electrical contacts and
Where can it be found, and does it work?
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Posted - March 24 2020 : 05:05:49 AM
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Don't use corrosive sprays for cleaning electrical contacts. You'll just dissolve the insulation on the motor windings.
Mantua motors aren't the best runners to begin with. Two axle locomotives have the worst electrical pickup of anything in the HO world. Combine the two, and you get a locomotive that runs mildly decently at best.
It sounds like you have an intermittent short somewhere in your locomotive. You need to find where it's occuring. Are the wheel pickup contacts situated correctly? Are the metal sideframes sitting in their plastic end holders all the way?
If you can upload some good, in focus photos, we have a better chance of helping you diagnose your engine correctly.
My Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/weekendrailroader?blend=1&ob=video-mustangbase
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Posted - March 24 2020 : 10:10:02 AM
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quote:What is that high pressure spray for electrical contacts and
Where can it be found, and does it work?
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â March 24 2020Â :Â 03:13:59 AM
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I believe it is CRC electrical cleaner/ contact spray. Something like that. I haven't used it in a while, But maybe I will try it near the pivoting truck points on my mantua. I was using it when I was a novice with repairs. Some 3 years ago. I'm not sure where I got it from, maybe a hardware store, or walmart.
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Posted - March 24 2020 : 7:37:15 PM
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| Thanks, got a couple of cranky locomotives that need a spray out.
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