Fiqured this has more to do with the moter than the mechanics so put it here.
DC or DCC? What loco? I get hints from your other posts that this is a Stewart Baldwin switcher - I can't image how broken one of those must be to make audible motor or mechanical growl, based on the 4 I have. Those Canon motors are about as quiet as can be.
In general, such strange noises are caused by lack of lubrication, or something just so worn that it no longer spins smoothly in the bearing surface. A lot of the grease used in models gets hard after a long time not being used, so al older loco might LOOK like it has sufficent (and even too much) grease, but if it has hardened, it's no longer allowing the parts to mesh smoothly. If you get a NOS loco still in the box, or a used one that's been sitting for years - disassembly and cleaning out all the gears and putting a little (emphasis on a little) grease or gear oil on them is pretty much a requirement.
The motor itself has bearings in each end. You REALLY have to be careful with the amount of oil here, the tip of a toothpick dipped in a light oil will put plenty on the motor - lack of lube there usually produces more of a squeal that varies with motor speed.
If it's DCC, you can get a hum or a 'singing' if the decoder is an older one that doesn't support high frequency motor drive - also called "silent running" or "supersonic" depending on the decoder maker. Only way to fix that is to use a better quality decoder.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I think and suspect that it's your decoder choice. As Randy mentioned, some decoders will emit a slight buzz or growl sound and some do this more or less than others. While TCS is my defacto for motor-only decoders, I've found that their M-series decoders emit a noticeable buzz at speed step 001, which usually disappears around speed step 010. Since it's a non-sound decoder, I just ignore it as diesel engine noise. All other TCS decoders I've purchasd are quiet. The Lenz LE0521W decoder I have in my Proto 2000 S1 buzzes, too.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Sorry, new decoder, and this happens in a lot of engines, even new. Might just be me, have super hearing even though I have tried to adjust it. At least I don't hear what I am told it is imposable to hear anymore and I can tolerate those anti pest plug ins now (used to have to leave the room as they drove me out).
Noise can also come from the base. Does your trackwork sit directly on plywood?
Simon
No, on cork on foam, no ballkast yet.
The generator sounds on some steam decoders can be very loud. Acutally the loudest sound when unaltered. And it does sound like a growl or grinding noise
Non sound decoder, ran same in DC. They run perfectly but make sounds, some worse than others. In fact they all make sounds but a few are too loud.
Can you post a video or two?
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Your engine is probably growling because it's hungry!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
We can't really help you without being more specific. I suggest you identify the manufacturer, model, age and type of decoder if you want more specific responses. A growl sound suggests that it is a motor/driveline/gear issue. A decoder problem (or lower end decoder) would make a buzzing sound. If you have sensitive hearing, only higher end diesels will be super quiet, like an Atlas, Athearn Genesis, Bowser or Kato model (others as well, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list). Athearn BB, Roundhouse, lower end Walthers and Bachmann diesel models will likely make some unwanted sounds. BLI or Bachmann Spectrum steam (with side rods) would also be super quiet. For cars, plastic wheels are also quiet compared to metal wheels. I personally don't mind these non-prototype sounds but if you are willing to spend for high end quality, it's out there.
It is proubly a motor issue. One that I have apart is a higher quality cannon motor in a Stuart engine, this one I use as an example as it is the loudest and most annoying but runs super smooth on DC. Been using it to test old decoders as the body shell is easy to remove (latches are way worn down).
A Canon motor that becomes noisy under DCC, but that is quiet in DC operation, suggests that it is a decoder issue.
rrebell One that I have apart is a higher quality cannon motor in a Stuart engine,
All I can share is my experience with Canon motors. All of my brass Sunset USRA locomotives have Canon motors, and they are truly fine and silent drives.
Although I have no personal experience in DCC, my gut-hunch is suggesting it is the decoder as others have said.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
snjroyA Cannon motor that becomes noisy under DCC, but that is quiet in DC operation, suggests that it is a decoder issue. Simon
I totally agree. The Kato, Canon, and Buehler motors in all the Stewart diesels that I have are smooth & quiet. I've found that some decoders are prone to buzzing or growling, while others a quiet as can be.
What decoder are you using in your Stewart?
It growls without decoder.
Did you not say it ran smooth on DC? Or do you mean without a decoder on DCC?
When is the last time you cleaned and lubed your locomotive? Under-lubing or over-lubing can both make the drivetrain noisy.
It runs smooth both ways, just has a growl, louder than my other engines.
It can stll run smoothly but not have enough or too much lube, which will make it noisy.
Hi rrebell. I hope it is sorted out soon. It is annoying when things go wrong.
As an aside. Here in the U.K. Class 37 locomotives have a distinctive 'Growl' and have the nickname 'Growlers' (obviously). Modelmakers have included the 'Growl' in their models.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
If you want to dampen the noise, try this. You know those magnetic advertisizing gimmes? They're thin and the material they are made from is pretty effective in dampening noise, plus they add a little weight. I've lined the insides of several shells with this stuff and it works pretty well.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Never heard of that, might just try as you can get a pack of them from Walmart for less than a buck and I just bought them, self adheasive too.
mlehmanI've lined the insides of several shells with this stuff and it works pretty well.
I've opened up quite a few factory sound units and found a type of black fuzzy tape. Broadway seems to use it a lot.
https://www.amazon.com/Tesa-Fleece-Interior-Harness-Mercedes/dp/B017OECD7W/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=fuzzy+black+tape&qid=1616198772&sr=8-1
I bought some and found it to be quite handy for eliminating shell-to-frame "buzzing" and it is handy for other sound deadening and light blocking applications. It has a very good tack.
I could be wrong but maybe introducing more magnetic material may be counter-intuitive to eliminating an audio hum? I know the motor has a magnet but I wonder how sensitive the small speakers and unshielded wiring on a DCC sound decoder is?
Regards, Ed