Lionel 600 switcher

[Mark202]

I have a Lionel 600 switcher that I just got that doesn't run. It seems to be jamming as it changs directions and really doesn't move much at all. In taking out the armature, it seems that the small ball bearing that sits in the cup at the bottom of the shaft is missing. Is that the likely problem, and where would I find a replacement (part # 600-110) in my Greenberg's book?

[KRM]

Mark,

Try these places.

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com//default.htm

 

http://www.ttender.com/

Kev.

[TrainLarry]

  I would definitely put the bearing in. Does the armature have the thrust collar on top? Both items are needed to keep the armature properly meshed with the truck drive gear. If the locomotive was operated in the past without the ball bearing, the gear may be worn. Also check the gear on the armature for signs of excessive wear.

Check out the 627 loco post also for good advice, as the locomotives share common trucks and motors:

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/199429.aspx

Larry

[Mark202]

Update

I got a new ball bearing and thrust washer. It turned out the old bearing was in there, but quite worn. Overall this engine seems to have a lot of track time in the past. I put in the new bearing, thrust washer, and new brushes, lubed it, and it still has trouble getting going. When I cycle it, it grinds and freezes, but if I push it it starts moving well and operates quite well at any speed and will seem to go forever, until I try to reverse. Then it jambs again unless I push it. So, it runs great in both directions once it gets going, but jambs everytime it starts up. Could it just be worn? I looked carefully at the gears and don't see anything obvious.

 

Mark

[TrainLarry]

  Does the chassis roll freely forward and reverse without the armature in place? Is there any play in the axles of the motor truck? When you drop the armature in place and engage the worm wheel, is there any play up-and down in the armature? Sounds like the worm wheel or the worm gear cut on the armature may be slightly worn.

Larry

[8ntruck]

If you don't have excessive end play in the armature, and you say the locomotive seems to have high milage, then I'd start suspecting something in the gear train.  Maybe a worn worm, or worm gear, or one of the spur gear idlers on the side of the truck might have a worn pivot, causing mesh problems.

Good luck.

[cwburfle]

Early verisons of the motor used in that engine have a plastic plate at the very bottom of the motor that acts as the lower bearing. Those motors tend to loosen up just enough so the worm and gear become misaligned, causing binding.
The topic has been discussed many times.