Need help adjusting 356 station

[msacco]

Here's something to try that just worked on a searchlight car I picked up a few weeks ago.
I know you said the fingers are soft but try using some ArmorAll Protectant on the finger pads. LEt it sit for a few minutes then carefully wipe it off.
This softened my finger washer on my searchlight car and it ran much, much, better.
With this accessory it really comes down to a bunch of variables. Pads, adjustment screw tension and those top finials. A balancing act. It took me some time to get mine working well, but it's a very nice accessory.

Mike S.

[mpzpw3]

Make sure the little fingers on the carts are both going the same way. They should angle towards the back of the cart. I bought a 356, and everything looked great. Carts wouldn't move. I thought the fingers were soft and in good shape, but after buying the repros, all problems were solved. It only costs a couple of bucks, so your not out that much if it doesn't work.

[Anonymous]

I would like to thank everyone for replying to my question. I checked the fingers on the carts, and they are soft. I took the station apart to clean it and check the suspension springs. I noticed that the springs are pretty strong. All of the springs are equal in length. This has me stumped. I look forward to your suggestions.


Jim

[Anonymous]

Is the metal "raceway" vibrating vigorously? Does the vibration increase/decrease with throttle and adjustment of the tension knobs?

If the answer to both is "yes," then it's likely the little pads on the bottom of the baggage cars. The rubber in these feet gets old and stiff. I believe it is possible to install them backwards, so that the front and rear pads oppose each other. In either case, the trucks will scarcely move.

The device generally works better, in my experience, if the base is secured to the train table. You want the raceway to vibrate relative to the station platform. To whatever extent the station platform itself is vibrating, the needed vibration of the raceway will be reduced.

By varying throttle and tension adjustments, a 356 can go from barely humming to vibrating so violently as to flip the trucks over.

If not secured to the train table, the presence or absence of the rubber feet (just pieces of rubber hose) can make a difference.

The raceway might be positioned too near or too far from the magnet, expecially if the suspension springs are damaged or fatigued, or the device has been mishandled.

My best guess, as with other replies above, is arthritic fingers on the pads.

wolverine49

[mpzpw3]

If you are using the original postwar carts, I would order some new "fingers" for the bottom.

[Anonymous]

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=290

wolverine49

[nitroboy]

Has the unit been serviced lately? I say this because there are springs at each end of the base that can lose their bouciness, if that is a word. Part number 356-48. Also make sure the base is nice and clean, no rust or excessive dirt. Just make sure the fingers are good, part numbers 356-25 and 356-26 if they are not. Also, if the carts have the baggage load on them(early versions), take this off. It weighs down the cart too much and makes it difficult for the carts to vibrate around.

When the base is properly adjusted, there should be some play in it, when you push down on it, it will move, but it shouldn't touch the bottom of the house. The top finnels also have somewhat of an affect on the vibration. And if you have the station screwed down, that will have a little affect on it as well.

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

I can't get my 356 station to vibrate correctly. At 16 volts, the carts barely move. I tried turning the adjusting nuts both ways, but I still can't get it to work. Both carts have all of the fingers intact. Any help would be appreciated.

Jim