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 Posted - June 08 2007 : 9:31:32 PM
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Hello all! Neat forum! It's nice to see folks having fun with their trains instead of bashing each other for not buying the latest and greatest. I've been running trains for about 35 years so I'm not a newbie.
My question-I have a chatt choo choo that stripped a gear. The large plastic one that contacts the metal motor drive gear. I know these aren't available anymore. Someone told me this is a common Power Torque drive and a Tyco 6 axle from around 1975 would be the same. Is this true? (didn't know Tyco made 6 axles) If so, what loco should I be looking for? I know about the choo choo "quality" but this was my dads and I'd like to fix it.
I've also heard that a Bachman 44 tonner drive will fit in the tender with little modification. I guess this would be an option AND it would run better on my layout if it works. Does anyone have any info on doing this? Any and all tips would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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 Posted - June 08 2007 : 9:53:35 PM
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Hi CPRailer. Welcome to the forum.
I think all of Tyco's powertorques had the same basic design. Tyco just modified the truckframes and truck mounting rings depending on the type of engine.I don't have any Tyco steamers myself, but if the only problem is the big plastic gear, you should be able to get that from any Tyco engine.
-cheez
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Posted - June 08 2007 : 10:18:48 PM
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| Welcome, CP. It is kind nice to see a Tyco forum, isn't it? As for your Chatt, yes, a 3 axle Tyco PT drive gear would work. Try to find a wrecked Super 630, GG1, SD24, 0-8-0 or 2-8-0 tender drive steamers for the part.
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Posted - June 08 2007 : 11:31:45 PM
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Thanks and thanks! I guess it's time to pay E-Bay a visit.
I figure the traction tires are the same too. Anybody sell new ones?
I've also heard you can use mineral oil for smoke fluid?
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Posted - June 08 2007 : 11:57:09 PM
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You can use alot of things to replace traction tires. There have been several topics here in the past about tractions tires. I've seen ppl mention things like hair elastics you can get at walmart. I use dental elastics on my Tyco engines. They work extremely well.
-cheez
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Posted - June 09 2007 : 02:05:05 AM
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Welcome to the forum CPRailer.
I have been using silicone aquarium tubing for the PT traction tires.
I cut them to about 3/32" wide and stretch them on.
I don't think I have any of those gears left, but I'll look.
Ray
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Posted - June 09 2007 : 02:14:41 AM
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Welcome aboard...
Just to clarify - the PowerTorque drive is basically the same as others have said, but it doesn't matter if it's a 6 or 4 axle unit. On four axle units, Tyco just made the middle axle a low-profile idler; that center axle's gear in either case is a critical drive component. SO any old PT clunker will work.
Stripping the large thin gear is a VERY common problem. I have found this is caused by play in the motor armature, or wheels that are out of gauge. When I set my wheels to out edges of NMRA Standard gauge, there is too much side/side play and that is what causes the gears to slip and ultimately strip. (I have to set them EXACTLY at the minimum NMRA clearance to avoid this... there is no room for error). If the small metal gear is loose or gradually slipping out (another common problem) that can cause the gear to strip as well.
Be sure to have a soldering iron handy "just in case" because on some locomotives, the wire slack is not forgiving and just trying to pry the truck out can snap a solder joint.
It's luck of the draw with PowerTorques. Some will run forever, some will commit suicide in 5 minutes, some can pull a respectable amount but many won't get out of their own damn way. When they work well they're better than most other RTRs of similar vintage but most modelers hate them anyway.
I guess they're like the AMC of model trains. The nice thing is there's plenty of em out there.
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Posted - June 09 2007 : 07:56:41 AM
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Break-em in right. I have this unproven theory that the break-in is critical even with an used loco or MIB. Run them 10 mins. in one direction at a moderate speed then do the same in the opposite direction. The directions say it may run rough but will get smooth.
Alco Fan
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