HO Spectrum 4-8-2 is a very fine model!

[Anonymous]

I went to the LHS today and, I bought a Light 4-8-2 Mountain! Sorry, I'm just overjoyed. I can get it around 18" curves but the guy at the LHS said 22". I bought some 22" and It runs fine on both curves. The problem is that when it runs I hear a constant scraping. I can't find where it's coming from, though. Anyone wanna help me out? It also makes a lot of noise (but I think that's just from the EZ track on the carpet).

P.S. The fire box glow is awesome!!!!

[Anonymous]

I own 1 too. Very nice as are all Spectrum models. But mine has just blown its second Soundtraxx. decoder. Not sure why but it is getting to be expensive. It shorted somehow.

[AggroJones]

The constant scrapping could be the sound of the pick up wipers rubbing against the wheels incorrectly. Examine them for proper contact.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Aggro. One more thing, I mentioned earlier that I could get it around 18" curves. Will this damage it? The front tender truck kept derailing at first but now it's fine. I don't want to damage this wonderful locomotive.

[AggroJones]

This locomotive is designed with extra side play in the drivers. Keep the tender drawbar placed as far away from the cab as possible. It should handle 18", so long as it is well laid.

[EL PARRo]

I just got one of those yesterday. I originally ordered one from trainworld.com, but it was backordered until March, so I cancelled the order and went to my lhs and bought one there, even though it was forty bucks more. I must say, it is a great locomotive, and well worth the money.

[Anonymous]

I had the same problem.

Scrape or file down the bottom of the cow catcher. Not enough clearence. It's rubbing the top of the rail head. It drove me nuts for two days.

[Anonymous]

The sound seems to be coming from the tender.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried oil? My FEF-3 was just screeching after 2 hours of running Christmas day. Turned out that the front bogey just needed a dab of light oil. Runs quiet now.[{(-_-)}]

[EL PARRo]

I have a few questions about lubricating it. What parts do I need to lubricate? What kind of lubricant should I use? How often should I lubricate it? How do I remove the body to lubricate the parts on the inside?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

The sound seems to be coming from the tender.

I think?, the engine will run w/o the tender. If so, try it out.

[AggroJones]

El Parro, use the exploded diagram to see which parts come apart. This paper should be in the locomotive box. Use Labelle #108 on every rubbing metal part of the valve gear and rods. Crimp the tip of the spout with pliers to better control the flow of oil. Use Labelle #102 on the drive belt and worm gear. Also apply #102 to the driving wheels axle bearings. I use a little 108 on the contacting parts of the pony truck and trailing trucks. Basically, any moving part that touches somthing should be lubed.

[AggroJones]

QUOTE: Originally posted by locomotive3

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

The sound seems to be coming from the tender.

I think?, the engine will run w/o the tender. If so, try it out.

I believe the equiptment inside the tender is needed to complete the electrical circuit that powers the motor.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AggroJones

QUOTE: Originally posted by locomotive3

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

The sound seems to be coming from the tender.

I think?, the engine will run w/o the tender. If so, try it out.

I believe the equiptment inside the tender is needed to complete the electrical circuit that powers the motor.

Yeah, the little wires have to be connected in order for the engine to run.

[EL PARRo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AggroJones

El Parro, use the exploded diagram to see which parts come apart. This paper should be in the locomotive box. Use Labelle #108 on every rubbing metal part of the valve gear and rods. Crimp the tip of the spout with pliers to better control the flow of oil. Use Labelle #102 on the drive belt and worm gear. Also apply #102 to the driving wheels axle bearings. I use a little 108 on the contacting parts of the pony truck and trailing trucks. Basically, any moving part that touches somthing should be lubed.

Thanks, Aggro, I'll try that.

[lupo]

[tup] Congratulations 4884, do you have the right road and # ?
UP 7009?[:o)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lupo

[tup] Congratulations 4884, do you have the right road and # ?
UP 7009?[:o)]

lupo, it's Union Pacific #7007. GREAT model!

[Anonymous]

I got one with sound for X-mas. Runs well. The hobby shop who installed the sound (Soundtrax) said it was the toughest installation he ever did.

The loco runs great, however, the headlight stopped working last night.

[Anonymous]

The headlight on mine has been flickering ,lately.