American Flyer - Cold Start

[richhotrain]

I have an American Flyer post-war steam engine with the original motor and brushes.

I notice that if I leave it turned off for a few days that upon starting it up, it takes a lap or two around the track to really get up to speed.

Is this normal?  Anything to be concerned about?  Am I just imagining this?

Rich

[Timboy]

 

[Anonymous]

I have noticed the same thing with both a 490 NP diesel and a 21927 SF diesel.  I have cleaned and lubed the motors, but have never replaced the brushes.  The fact that a cleaning and lube doesn't cure the problem leads me to believe that the brushes are the source.  I've never had this issue with any steamers though.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Rich,

I have ammeters that measure the current and when a loco is first started the amps will be higher than after running a few minutes.  Then after a while of running the amps will start to increase, at which time I will let her rest or change out the engine if running like at a train show.  I think as much as anything it is the viscosity of the gear lube till it warms up

 

[arkady]

Sturgeon-Phish

I think as much as anything it is the viscosity of the gear lube till it warms up.

I agree. My Lionel steam locomotives are the same way.

[richhotrain]

Sturgeon-Phish

 I think as much as anything it is the viscosity of the gear lube till it warms up

 

Very interesting.  Is that all you can do is wait till the gear lube warms up? 

Any way to accelerate the process?

Use a different gear lube?

Rich

[Joe Hohmann]

My AF K5 is the same way...takes about 10 seconds to hit full speed.

[JDBoomer]

Seems like my old toy trains do the same.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

You could use a static stand to run the loco to warm up prior to putting it on the track

Jim

[Timboy]

 

[richhotrain]

Timboy

Guys: Oh man; why do I have to be the one to say it? Just take them to bed with you to keep them warm. :) :) :) :) -Timboy

Tim,

I would if I could but there is no room.  I got the wife, the cat, my beloved golf clubs, a cooler for beer in case I wake up at night, some tostidos and salsa, and a photo of myself !!!

Rich