Sure would be nice to know the results so we can all learn from this.
Greg
Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.
Click here for Greg's web site
Ron
Did you give up??????????????
How are you coming along?
Did you find the cure?
Sean
I like the idea Greg, but I am not sure it is the problem. Like I originally posted it was doing this before I replaced the shoes, which were very worn. I checked the axles and they are not out of place or binding and are silent. I did however notice that there was a wire attached to the outside edge of each wheel on the truck cover, so I did notice the wheels are dirty so I am hoping that may help it if I clean the wheels well. Thank you for the input I will still check it out.
Thank you Sean, that is my next step to clean. I have planting now so haven't got to the running gear, but do really appreciate the input.
You have redundant pickup with the sliders, so it should not be so sensitive to just the wheels. Are your sliders ok? have you checked with an ohmeter?
Anyway, back to the OP, I think you better verify that you really re-assembled the trucks right, do they move smoothly and quietly?
RON
I think it's the wheels!
I was just out running and I had cleaned the wheels on a USA's GP9, ran great for a long time!
Then it started to sputter and hesitate, so looked @ wheels OMG I just cleaned these!!!!!!
Cleaned them and off to the races!
Tracks a lot cleaner after I ran the pole sander around the layout.
Rain can be a paine!
Ron, if you opened the motor blocks, there is a very good chance that you got the axle bushings out of place, this would cause noise and surging. (and eventual destruction of gears)
You most likely need to go back in and verify the proper location of the bushings, they can be put in two different ways, one way is wrong and it's not immediately obvious.
Check my writeup on the F7, same blocks.
http://www.elmassian.com/trains/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/usat-motive-power/f3/f3-disassembly
Regards, Greg
Nice name!
Greg,
I am not sure if they are broke or not, I had them open when I replaced the shoes and they did not appear to be broke but I will check thank you for the insight.
The track is in good shape but I guess I did not realize that the Wheels were conductive as well, especially with the shoes, but I will try that. Thank you
check that you don't have the cracked axle problem.
Put the loco on it's back, and for each axle, put your thumbs on each wheel (left thumb on one wheel, right thumb on the other wheel of the same axle) and try to turn the wheels in opposite directions.
If they turn, then you have a cracked axle... it's really a gear housing... this will cause the wheels to slip and grab, and have less traction overall.
You can buy new axles, or fix them (see my site).
Welcome to the forum!
Sorry din't catch your name.
Lets see if we can help.
Did you clean all the wheels?
How about cleaning the track?
Just the simple things sometimes are the problem.
Tell us how you make out.
I have a USA Trains GP-38 that is about 4 years old now, and until this year has run very well for me. But I have recently pulled it out of storage for use as I live in the far north of Wisconsin. I run track power and have feeder wires every so often to make sure I have no continuity issues. But since I have put this engine on the track this year it surges, sort of stop and go. At 1st I thought it was a continuity issue but I have a S-1 that runs very smooth and a Bachman 4-6-0 that runs smooth as well. So I noticed the pick-up shoes were wore and replaced them as well. Still surging... Any ideas on why it is doing this? I could some help here.
Thank you !!
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