LASER engine trouble with getting power...

[Boyd]

#8161 from the LASER set back in the 80s. It had been in storage for 13+ years. With power to track it would jump about 1/8th inch if I pressed down on it a little. I cranked the transformer way up and got it to go around the track but it was still running like it wasn't getting power every milisecond. Last time I had ran it I had attached tape to the flat brass pieces that extend out the ends of the power chassy to press against the axles. But I don't remember if that had helped it run the last time it was out. This engine has maybe 2 hours on it total. Any ideas?
Also if I added weight to it would it have enough power to be a helper engine. It just spun when attached to 6 scale cars.

[Roger Bielen]

From the section of my Guide ... that the 8161 is listed in it seems that the engine is one of the small switchers with 2 axels with connecting rods. If so they aren't meant to pull a lot or weight, especially if they don't have traction tires. I have the remake of the AEC switch and it does ok with traction tires.

I had one problem with locking up when lint built up in the gearing. You might want to clean the old grease from the gears for starters and relube the unit. Also check for loose wires. Does the unit get hot? I have a gang car that would get too hot to pick up, all the motor needed was a good cleaning. Check the tension on the spring for the roller pick-up, make sure the wheels are clean.

I know these are a lot of maybes but solving problems is a lot of hit and miss. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Just one idea. This engine is made for DC-only. Were you running it off of an AC transformer by any chance?

[Roger Bielen]

Now that Sask mentioned it I went back and looked. I didn't read the info. far enough. The last two words of the discription are "DC powered." Just shows that the college student pays better attention to details. Must be getting sloppy now that I'm out of the technical field.