I have a Hallmark FW&D E-5 (plated) that I want to convert to DCC with sound. It runs OK, but is quite noisy, and I suspect that it might need more than a simple lube job to fix the noise problem. I want to turn this over to a professional, so does anyone have suggestions/recommendations for an outfit that can be trusted to do this right?
I got a quote for the install from a well known DCC shop, but they were hard to pin down on doing a full fledged fix. I don't mind paying the price, even if it means completely new running gear, but I want to go into it knowing it will be right when I get it back.
Mike
Very hard for someone to give you a quote without seeing and testing the locomotives.
They have no idea as to what they might need to repair or if there are even any parts to repair.
Do you have any idea as to what is making the units make noise?
As to the source of the noise, I really don't know, but it sounds like a buzz/grrrr/fingernails-on-the-blackboard; very annoying. Maybe lubing would take care of it, or maybe it's the way the motor has always sounded from the builder. As I said, it runs OK.
I didn't expect a firm quote, just a committment to fix it right. Even if it came to replacing the power train, I'm sure it can be fixed. What I wanted to avoid was to have them do a specific fx, like lube and clean gears at a quoted price, then send it back still noisy and I've got to find someone else to do the rest of the job. I'd be happy with a decoder price quote, and an open-ended agreement to work on the performance problem until it was right.
OK, I will send you a PM.
Got the message and sent a reply. Let me know what you think.