1952 American Flyer

[AMFLYER1944]

Out of the box after 4-5 years.  Ran okay when stored.

Problems: #1 I have to turn the transformer on & off several times before response.  Some time I hear a hum but no go other times not even a hum. Once it goes it goes fairly well. 

#2 Sparking from tender wheels. 

#3 cars do not stay connected.

Thanks for any ideas.

AMFLYER1944

[Bob Keller]

What transformer are you using? What is the locomotive?

[irontooth]

Need more info, is this a steam loco or diesel, engine number? There are other folks  that know more than I do but let us give it a shot.

#1 It seems that the reverse unit is not cycling all the time, if it is in the tender take off shell and check cycling may just need to be cleaned, look for loose wires and check solder joints. Check reverse fingers to see if they are burned thru. Check drum and check the pawl to see if it isengaging teeth on drum adjust as necessary.

#2 Make sure track and themetal wheels are clean. the sparking I have seen is usually from dirty track and picup wheels.

#3. You did not say if is link or knuckle couplers. My link couplers are stiff soometimes and will uncouple, I work them until they loosen up. Knuckle couplers. check to see ifthey are closing and locking. Make sure that both types of couplers are adjusted correctly.

Peace

Irontooth

[AMFLYER1944]

Transformer #2.  Steam 260

[stebbycentral]

AMFLYER1944

Out of the box after 4-5 years.  Ran okay when stored.

Problems: #1 I have to turn the transformer on & off several times before response.  Some time I hear a hum but no go other times not even a hum. Once it goes it goes fairly well. 

AMFLYER1944

 

The hum is normal, but it should always be accompanied by a click.  The click tells you that the drum that controls the direction has cycled.  If it just hums, the drum is stuck one position, and 50% of the time that position is "Neutral".  That's how the units cycles: F-N-R-N.  As described earlier, a good cleaning of the unit and a VERY light oiling of the pins the drum spins on, should help.  If  it's really shot there is an electronic replacement available from a company called DALLEE Electronics.  They are on the internet.