American Flyer 561 Sticking reversing unit

[elevator]

I have a Flyer 561 locomotive that the pawl on the reversing unit sticks in the up position.  A small tap is all that is needed to drop it back down, but there is a small piece of cotton string that is neatly tied to the bracket where the pawl strikes. I moved it slightly and that seemed to take core of the problem.  Was this string original from the factory?

[AF53]

to the forum. I have a 561 also and when I serviced mine I saw no string.

May I suggest either bringing it to a local repair shop for service or use some CRC Electronic Cleaner on the reverse unit. It can be bought at most electronic supply store or at Home Depot.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Gray Cat]

Welcome to the forum first and foremost and Welcome to the American Flyer reversing unit thumpers club. This is a problem that haunts both post war s and prewar O Flyer that uses the same type of reversing unit. As Ray points out the string is not a factory installed item. Perhaps someone tied it up to lock the reversing unit in one position (that's a stretch), or perhaps a piece got in there somehow or even this was at one time a replacement used or new reversing unit with a price tag tied on and this is the remnant. I would suggest getting a pair of tweezers or small needle nose and removing it. Clean out the area where all parts ride with some naptha. A lot of times old grease, oil or other contaminants impeded the smooth funtion. Also check the toothed drum to see that the pawl is catching it cleanly and properly, sometimes a bent pawl can hang up on a tooth. The plastic teeth have also been know to wear and can catch a pawl. Lubrication of these parts will only work for a while until the lubricant traps dust and dirt again. Just keep it clean. Give that a try and see if it works.

[TrainLarry]

Welcome to the forum.

  I agree that the string is not original equipment in your reverse unit. As Gray Cat states, reverse units are the nemesis of American Flyer locomotives and require patience to service. To work properly, usually the entire unit needs to be taken apart and thoroughly cleaned with naptha, including the contact plates, drum, pawl and solenoid.  Usually the problem of a sticking reverse unit cannot be seen, and I have found that the only solution is to replace the drum, as it probably wears imperceptibly enough to cause the problem. Replace any "finger" contact plates that are bent, worn or burned through also. Reassemble and check for proper operation.

Larry

[elevator]

Thank you for your response.  I'm sure it was someones fix for the sticking.  It was very neatly tied in place, and it was effective although I will try using some naptha or contact cleaner.  Where does one find naptha?  Tim

[elevator]

Thanks Larry,  I will try some contact cleaner or naptha when I figure out where to get it. Tim

[TrainLarry]

Naptha is lighter fluid packaged by Ronson, and is also available in bulk quantities at hardware stores. It is a great degreaser, leaves no residue, and does not attack plastic or any paint. Great for all model train related cleaning and degreasing needs.

Larry

[elevator]

Thanks  Larry,  Tim