Bear with me me I am a beginner -
I recently set up my LGB set for Christmas and noticed the engine car runs at a slower speed than normal. It is as if it is hesitating on the lower speed setting and not reaching its full speed on the highest setting.
Seems like it could be a maintenance / cleaning issue but I do not have any manuals or documentation.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
G'day and welcome to the forums.
Sounds like you need to try the basics first. Clean the tops of the tracks with a scotchbrite pad, or the scourer side of a dry kitchen sponge (if you have one). If you are going to clean the rail with sandpaper, use something with a grit finer than 400. Using coarse sandpaper only leaves scratches which attract more dirt. The wheels of the engine and the sliders which pick up power could also use a clean. Gentle application of the scourer. You could do it dry or with a very small amount of mineral turpentine or kerosene, or a very light oil, applied with the corner of a rag or a cotton bud. (I am assuming you have little in the way of hobby lubricants and oils.) Clean any excess liquids off before putting it back on the track and try again.
Also check your electrical connections to the controller and track are solid. The rail joiners may be loose. Crimp the openings very slightly with a pair of pliers. You need to get the rail back in, but still have positive contact between sections.
Mick
Chief Operating Officer
Northern Timber Company - Mt Beenak
Mick said it all............
Dave
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
After that, if not improved, check lubrication on the loco..
Greg
Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.
Click here for Greg's web site
Would a gear grease for S scale trains with metal gears work on a Bachmann with plastic gears?
Ray
Bayville, NJ
Life is what happens to youWhile you're busy making other plans - John Lennon
Just a question Is your set LGB or is it Bachmann I ask because thier is a world of differance in who manufactured your set. and see your second post for the ansure about grease.
And wellcome to best forum
It says Bachmann on the bottom of the engine. It's number is 49. I bought it new about 15 years ago.
It says Bachmann on the bottom. Engine #49 bought new about 15 years ago.
Sorry about the double post but it read an error message as I tried to post the first one. But it took anyway.
I am new to trains as well. I see this posting is from last year, but it sounds like the problem that started with my LGB christmas set last year as well. And, the holidays came and went, and here and I am again dealing with this same issue. Last year, I took my locomotive and transformer to a local "hobby store" specializing in trains and they tested it out on their track. It worked fine. They told me to come home and "clean" my track. So I did just that. But, to no avail, it still did not work properly. It's very slow, and "catches in some areas. It even slows down when I turn the dial all the way to full speed. I am so confused?!?! I came home, cleaned the track thoroughly, I even have a special track cleaner made my LGB, and still not working correctly. I just cleaned the entire rail again, and nothing. I am at my wits end with this darn thing. Please help! Could it be the wire that connects the transformer to the track? This is the only thing left......
First check the wire connections...possibly just take them apart and put them back together...does that help?
Next, does the train run correctly on the piece of track the wire connects to? if it does than the wire is probably fine.
If it does run fine on that first section of track, but not elsewhere, then it is time to fiddle with the track connections as described above. just take them apart gently. the track sections should grip each other securely rather than slide together (or apart) easily. you can gently squeeze the connectors with pliers to make them grip better. the mechanical grip also makes the electrical connection. put together one track section at a time and see how it works
Those are the easiest things to check and fix as well as being the most common ailments.
Oh! one other thing to look at is the wheels on the engine, are they clean?...probably if it ran well at the shop.
Winnegance and Quebec Railway
Eric Schade Gen'l Manager
You might want to post what city you live in to see if there is someone nearby who could come over and help you. Or maybe you could bring everything to their house.
Bob
Thank you all so much. Greg from a previous posting, was able to assist me with this. We figured out that it must be the transformer. I am now in the market to get a new one. ANyone know of a place to get one that is inexpensive? I really do not want to spend $189, which is what I am seeing. Oh, I am in Orlando.
Thanks so much!!!
In the large scale retailers list in the back of the current GR Mag, (for Orlando) I see Colonial Photo and Hobby, 614 North Mills. Phone: 800-841-1485. I've never been there, but that may be the closest shop for you.
I'm not saying it's the best power supply, but I found this Bachmann one at http://www.trainworldonline.com/catalog/category/detail.php?id=1767&find_section=600 for about $50. What are your needs in a power supply...how many/what type of trains are you running?
Edit: I found the same product for cheaper here: http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200411344
I'm not even sure how to answer this. I have the LGB christmas started set with a few additional trains. It's a small 12volt transformer I believe. It's funny that you mention Trainworld. I have an Uncle in NY that knows the owner of Trainland/Trainworld. Actually, that's where my set originally came from back 10 years ago. So, he is going to talk with them and see if they have something that will work for my needs. I have the christmas set which consists of the locomotive and car and a caboose. And, I have collected 5 additional cars over the years. I would like to be able to run them all, like I used to.
Does that Bachmann one have enough power? Is it compatible to the LGB set? How do I know if it will work with my set? Are they all interchangeable? I guess I thought I would need another LGB transformer......... I really like the price tag on that one! How do I know it will work?
I have actually called that store in Orlando, and they said they do not have any LGB trains at all.
If I recall, the Bachmann unit was 1 amp. I think that would be fine for your needs (right now...you'll want more power if you expand beyond a Christmas layout-that's what you're using it for right?). It is DC power so it will work with your LGB. I'm assuming that you're not using DCC.
Try calling HR Trains, they have a large selection of LGB items. Inexpensive power can be had from Aristo Craft. They have a 10 amp unit for under $70. Or you could check eBay for LGB items. Regards Dennis.
I hate H&R Trains...
With an LGB engine, sometimes the motor goes bad and consumes too much current (power) and will run slow on a small power pack.
These run fine on larger power packs but will eventually fail. SO taking the engine to a friend or dealer with a larger power pack can deceive you about this problem.
The standard LGB short and long shaft motors do not draw more than 1/2 amp with no load.
In fact, starter sets came with 7va power packs.
So, my answer is measure the current drawn by the engine with lights and smoke off to eliminate the motor being the cause.
.
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