how do you check a loco to see if it works?

[talon104]

ok, here is the deal i have my layout all taped up so i cant check a loco i got off ebay to see if it runs good or not. Is there a way i can check it for service and not have to put it on a train to do it? thanks
Chris

[oleirish]

I have a test and program track ,Six feet long on an 1"X4" board,It is portable.With an extra power supply.
JIM

[talon104]

hum, sounds good, but i only have the track that is on my layout. the reason i am asking is the wheels feel stiff to the touch. I have a santa fe loco i can put on a small piece of track ( about 14 inch long and if i push it slighly it moves and you can hear the motor turn) this one i cant and it doesnt want to move a inch?)
Thanks chris

[HAZMAT9]

I like to pull the shell off and hook up a pair of leads to the motor and run with the engine in a tabletop vise. I though recommend the test track, this way you can test the trucks for conductivity and smooth ops. Typically the locos I've purchased on Ebay I have to run through maintenance, a good cleaning and lube job....sticky wheels, worn contacts is what I've seen.

[selector]

None of my locos will turn the wheels and the motor/drive without power. At least, I have never forced them to do that.

I would hook up track power, place the loco properly railed, and slowly crank up the juice to see what happens. If you do a quarter turn of the throttle and nothing happens, shut it down immediately, and do the disassemble thing, clean, lube, inspect for continuity, etc.

[talon104]

dully noted on the not forcing selector. i dont think it would be the thing to do either. and thanks hazmat for the info . i guess i will just have to 9un tape) my track and give it a whirl .now there is a tag on it that has fwd,rev,light check 2004 in oct i think.The next time i get to S.A. (San Antonio) i will have to run to a hobby shop and pick up a book for loco's ( maint stuff ) i guess. I really hope it is good, Looks great but; it's just looks[:D] Oh, and if anyone wants to know it's a (Athearn SP loco) [:p] Sweet i think . got another three comming one is a dummy so i know that i should be ablt to figure out how that work's HAHA [:D][:D]
Thanks for the post all
Chris

[talon104]

ok, just thought of something. Not being to knowledgeable about this stuff . i put painted tape on my track ; If i was to uncover just a area from the re-railer a few feet . could i still run my loco for test's or will i have to uncoverthe whole track? ( i am using power loc to start out with ) get the feel and then move to another layout down the road)thanks
Chris

[SMassey]

you should only have to remove enough tape for the loco to sit on the rails and maybe a few other inches to allow it to move a little more. That will give you an good idea if your loco is OK or not. good luck

[Janafam]

Normally the motor through gears does not make turning the wheels easy without power. If your model seems frozen, take the top off and do the maintenance suggested earlier--don't continue trying to force the motor. Another option to consider for trying it on power is to contact a fellow model railroader and although they might not enjoy that you didn't buy it from them, try a hobby shop. Often a good shop will try to help you, it may even cause you to buy from him next time.

[talon104]

thanks guy's for the imput ,i am going to remove some of the tape of my track and try it there if it doesnt wor kthen i'll go to step "B" . I never tried to force the motor or anything just noticed running my fingers on the wheels lightly the didnt budge any that is why i asked . I learned a long time ago not to force things like this[:I] , thanks for the advice . i am going to have to pick up a how too manual on train servicing ( fixing ) at the end of the week so i have a bette idea what oil'sto use and things like that.
your some great people Thansk a bunch
Chris
p.s. hey just notice'd i got my star . Hum does that mean i go to the rookie stage
LOL [:D][:D]

[SMassey]

Still no star for me.... *cry* guess I need to keep posting stuff to get one LOL good luck with your loco!

[talon104]

whooooo hooooooo it works , it works, whoo hoooooooo [:D][:D]
Yep, uncovered some of the track and it whized on both rev and forward . ha now for the kicker think i gotta change my coupler tho. heck i got so excited it even went ( four wheel driving) on some tape at the end lmao[:p][:p]
gotta do some cleaning tho on all my stuff and oil etc like i have said before.
Hey SMassey the only reason i got one is cause i am always in here checking stuff. Addign my two cents and like this thread asking what might be trivial question to others . you only got like i think what 2 more or so ? i remember it was close thanks for your imput and everybody your the greatest thanks a bunch for just being railroaders[:D]
Chris

[SMassey]

I try to help when and where I can. I have the occasional question too and I love the guys here!!! ya that is you guys reading this now!! I have had alot of help with my new layout and so far I have only been working on paper. Getting the planning done and done right in my opinion is just as important as getting the layout itself build properly. Congrats on your loco running by the way!! see ya all around

[Anonymous]

One reason that a powered loco's wheels do not rotate when forced may be that it has a worm drive somewhere in its drive train. Worms like to drive, not be driven. If, on the other hand, the loco uses a beltdrive or a stright gear train, then the wheels may drive the motor. I stand to be corrected, of course, but that's my 2 cents worth.

[talon104]

hey really appreciate everyone's imput .Thanks again massey, you definately are on the right track with your layout taking time. my next one iam sure will be a long drawn out process cause i am definately changing the way i did a few things but, this is a learner layout for me so, i have to keep telling myself that [:D]
And mike your two cent are welcome here[:)] defiantely something drivingthat choo choo cause man it got up and went when i hit the switch[:p]
Thanks for all of everyone post's
chris