Sluggish Lionel F3

[Fordiesel69]

I bleive this to be an old 1940's or 50's model, im not sure. 

Here is the youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7PqbQ9mMHk

This train really struggles to pull 5 cars.  The transformer is down to 14.6 volts or so wide open so I think the amp draw is high on this F3.  It has dual motors.  It used to go a lot faster back in the early 90's.  The sound is like it really strains to pull.

 BTW, what voltage is good for operating this train?

[mdainsd]

How long has it been since a service? Also it seems like you have a track problem. The train slows on the far side of the tree but comes right back up to speed on the front of the oval. that is usually indicative of bad rail joints. the hole on the ends get opened up from assembling and disassembling the track sections and needs to be tightened up periodically

[lionelsoni]

(The locomotive's model number is on the number boards at the front of the cab.)

Have you checked to see whether both motors are working?

The voltage that is good is the voltage that makes it run at the speed you want.  That the transformer is putting out 14.6 volts doesn't tell us anything unless we know what transformer you are using, since they have a variety of maximum voltages.  If you're using a 1033, it puts out only 16 volts maximum; so a 1.4-volt drop is not bad at all. 

[servoguy]

 If you have not oiled or otherwise lubricated the wheels of the cars, they can have a lot of friction.  Ditto the wheels on the dummy units.  My experience with the powered units is that they seem to stay lubed pretty well.  However, to be prudent, I would lube the powered unit.  I have seen severe damage caused by lack of lubrication.  I have seen motors worn out for the lack of one or two drops of oil.  To properly lube the powered unit, the motors must be removed from the trucks.

[ADCX Rob]

 Your F-3 has two motors with 4 armature bushings,  4 driven axles, 4 spur & 2 idler gears, 2 worm shafts(and 4 shaft bushings) & 4 worm gears, that all need to be lubricated.  A good synthetic grease would be ideal(Lucas Red 'N Tacky #2, eg.) for all gears, & synthetic oil for all 8 axle bushings/bearings and 4 armature bushings/bearings.

The trailing dummies also need to be oiled at all 16 axle bushings/bearings.

Once you service the engine & fix your electrical issue, you will be running like new again.

Rob