Flyer Steam Locomotive Runs Fast

[aflyer]

Well Guys,

I was hoping that subject would get your attention.  We have had a few posts lately about engines that wouldn't run fast, and lots of help for the posters on how to diagnose and fix.

 I have the opposite problem.  I have a few steamers that run great at higher voltage, but not so much for slow speed operation. One example, I played with today.  This is a 303 4-4-2 locomotive, that I just aquired.  At anything above 11.5 volts it runs great. In fact at full voltage I think It will leave the track and become airborne should I choose to let it.  I am using an 18B transformer, 175 watt version.

At under 11.5 volts it will just barely move, and hums pretty heavily. I have just had it completely apart, cleaned lubed, new brush springs, and cleaned the commutator up all shiny and cleaned the groves. The brushes looked great, so I didn't change them.  The light is bright, and it smokes better than any other locomotive I have.

I do not know how to check the amperage draw, although I read in the service manual that it should draw no more than 2 amps pulling 4 cars, or .175 with no load.

So how does a novice who has been playing with trains on and off for 50 years test that amperage draw? And what else can I check to see if I can get it to run better at slower speeds, less voltage.   I have a 293 4-6-2, and a 312 4-6-2 that act similar, but  for today I will stick with this one and use what I learn to check on the others. 

Thank you,

George

 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

This is my test station

It has an 8b Trqnsformer and the black box is a combo voltmeter  ammeter.  Works great

Jim

[aflyer]

Jim,

Thank you for sharing, that is a nice setup. Can you tell us more about the wiring?  What are the two switches for.  Is the black box switch for voltage/ Amps and the momentary switch to put the juice to the track? 

One more question, do you find the amperage draws of your locomotives to be close to what the books indicate?

Thank you,

George 

[richhotrain]

George,

Let's combine our two layouts and swap some parts from each of our engines.  That way, my slower than normal speeds and your faster than normal speeds will average out to provide more reasonable speeds. 

Rich

[aflyer]

Rich,

Hey, not a bad idea.  I ran this 303 for a 1/2 hour the other nite, and it realy does run nice. It smokes great, and I am very happy with it.  Maybe I am just expecting it to run slowly on less voltage. 

I don't think I can create something as nice as what Jim has, to check the amperage draw, but I am going to try playing around with my hand held meter.

So are you having any success with your speed issue?

George