Let this be a lesson to you ;)
mext time you have a locomotive behaving like this, service it, and you should be back in buisness! Also, it gets easier to do with each locomotive you work on, as you get more familiar with how everything works. When I started 5 years ago, I knew basically nothing. Now, there’s little I’ve bought, that I couldn’t fix.
The ironic twist here, is that my first locomotive, I have never been able to get properly operational. I’ve fixed locomotives that are practically 100 years old, some of them only 40 or 50, but there’s this one locol my first ever lionel, whic arrived to me, saved from the town dump- a Lionel 8111. I’ve done everything to it! Cleaned, lubed, checked all the wiring (including the armature windings), taken it apart and put it back together at least a dozen times, but no dice!
You will have real stumpers like these from time to time, but they are rare. 95% of the time, it’ll be clean sailing most of the way.
"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"
It actually is working really well, thanks for all your help!!!!
couldnt have done it without you!!!!!!
I lubricated and serviced it, it is still doesn't work very well
I don't understand why it is still not working properly.
ADCX Rob That won't get him any closer to DCS, though. SteamPowered3251 well then I'll probably install dcs to it then, seeing how I'm going to install command control anyway.
That won't get him any closer to DCS, though.
SteamPowered3251 well then I'll probably install dcs to it then, seeing how I'm going to install command control anyway.
Yeah, but it would give him "distant-control" for a lot less money.
SteamPowered3251well then I'll probably install dcs to it then, seeing how I'm going to install command control anyway.
Rob
According to the service article linked above, the locomotive has a manual reversing switch. The owner could easily upgrade to an electromechanical 2 position e-unit for around $10 plus shipping (Ebay pricing, do it yourself install)
SteamPowered3251Here's the link, I got the price a bit wrong, but you can still do it under $500. https://mthtrains.com/50-1912
https://mthtrains.com/50-1912
OK, that puts you maybe 1/3 of the way there. Now you have to pay for installation(~$150) at a MTH service station to get the 90 day warranty... and that's only after you modify the locomotive(~$150-$200 parts & labor) with a flywheel equipped DC permag motor.
"Will it work in other manufacturer's locomotives?"
"The Proto-Sound conversion kit was developed to upgrade older M.T.H. locomotives. However, in theory the conversion kit can be installed in locomotives produced by other manufacturers if those locomotives have the space for the electronics and utilize a DC motor with a flywheel. Because Proto-Sound relies on specifically developed algorithms for generating scale speeds of each locomotive, there is no guarantee that the conversion kit will provide actual scale speeds when installed in other manufacturer's locomotives. The user will retain Proto-Sound's speed steps in such installations but may find that those speed steps result in different speeds for other manufacturer's engines when compared to factory-equipped Proto-Sound locomotives. In addition, like those M.T.H. steam engines not equipped with a fan-driven smoke unit, installation into other manufacturer's steam engines will not have synchronized puffing smoke."
I've already started the process of cleaning, I'm just waiting for my lubricants.
Here's the link, I got the price a bit wrong, but you can still do it under $500.
I forgot to check it out
SteamPowered3251thats not true.
SteamPowered3251Just buy a converter kit. There usally always about $90.00
Link please!
Steampower, You aren’t making much sense, about adding DCS, when you don’t appear to be able to do routine maintenance, on the motor.!!!!!! Have you taken the mentioned advice from the other, about how to do the lubing, & oiling, brush changes??? I gave you a link, which is a step by step tutorial, on your very loco.
Just buy a converter kit. There usally always about $90.00
thats not true.
SteamPowered3251...then I'll probably install dcs to it then...
well then I'll probably install dcs to it then, seeing how I'm going to install command control anyway.
No it's a 50 dollar engine put TMCC in something nicer.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Also, let's say I get it working, would it be worth coverting to tmcc?
You gotta start with clean & lube then go from there.
Would this fix the problem that it has a hard time moving?
It needs basic servicing, and replacing the motor is expensive. The price of new brushes, some Red & Tacky Lube, some oiling, versus a new motor...Think about it in Cost. Here is what you need, which is a complete tutorial of how to service your exact loco:::
https://brianwowak.wordpress.com/lionel-8351-alco-tune-up/
" it hasn't been lubricated or serviced ever "
SJ is correct. Service it!!
You should also look at the drive gears for binding and wear, they could well be trashed depending on how much run time is on that engine. That to can cause your groan.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Your answer is in your question. The motor needs service. Remove the brush plate, if your careful and lift it straight up you do not have to unsolder anything. Remove clean and lube the armature, brushes. and then lube.
my Lionel alco 8351 is having problems,( seeing how it can't even run very well) it hasn't been lubricated or serviced ever, so should I just get a new motor or what should I do. It just won't run, it will just groan at me.
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