is ther any way i can test the motor without a track, just with transformer?
You did not indicate whether your locomotive is steam or diesel. However assuming it is a steam locomotive, and it has a 4-plug jack panel at the rear of the locomotive cab, you can apply a jumper wire between the two center holes of the jack panel. This short-circuits the connections that usually go through the reverse unit. You can then apply power leads to the two outside holes, and the motor should run. With diesels there is no easy way to bench test a motor, you pretty much have to test it on a track with the shell removed.
(From the American Flyer S Gauge Operating and Repair Guide - by T. B. Baker)
I have figured out what is wrong with my brain! On the left side nothing works right, and on the right side there is nothing left!
Oh sorry. one is the New York Central System #326 Locomotive & the other is the Chicago NorthWestern Line #283 Locomotive. also the tenders on both have a little switch underneath them.
Pardon, but your comment leads me to believe you haven't had a lot of experience working on this brand of train. The "little switch" on the bottom of the tender is a mechanical lock out for the reversing mechanism. The reversing mechanism is a mechanical device that uses an electro-magnet to spin a drum that opens and closes electrical contacts. With the lever disengaged the drum will cycle each time you turn the transformer off and on. The locomotive will then run in forward or reverse alternately. With the lever engaged, the drum is frozen in one position and the locomotive will run in one direction only. Either forward or reverse depending upon how the unit was set when the lever was thrown. There is also a neutral setting. If you are extremely lucky, it is possible that someone locked the reverse unit while it was set in neutral and that's why the train won't move. You could just try moving the lever to the opposite position and see if that starts the train.
The reverse unit is a common point of failure on these older trains. Does it (the tender) buzz and click when you turn on the power? If not, you could have a faulty unit. You will have to take the shell off of the tender and examine the unit. Sometimes all it needs is a good cleaning with contact cleaner. More often the issue is that the wipers for the electrical connections have worn out. Replacements are available from various sources on the Internet.
Before you do anything with the tender you should try the jumper trick on the locomotive. If you can get it to run you know the issue is in the reverse unit. Otherwise you have different problems. Good luck.
Welcome to the board.
To test the motor independently of the reverse unit, you must pull out the plug that joins the tender to the locomotive. Then wire up the motor according to the instructions given above. Here is a diagram to help you. Use the wiring diagram for "4 wire" locomotives.
In the future, when asking assistance on the board, always include the make and number of the locomotive or accessory you are inquiring about. It helps to get a specific answer out much quicker.
Larry
You are right. I have 0 experience. I was going to sell them and wanted to make sure they worked before I put them on craigslist. Would you have any idea what they are worth in working and non working condition?
Well I put 2 photos in that last post but they didnt come up. Let me try again
Check e-bay to get an idea of what prices are. There are a few of your model engines for sale now. Search for them and see what they are going for, and what, if any bids are on them.
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