walthers EMD SW-1 diesel loco

[Anonymous]

Recently purchased Walthers EMD SW-1 locomotive and very disapointed with its performance. When put into operation at slow speed moves ok - when speed increased motor turns faster light burns brighter but engine does not go any faster - engine has no pulling power and cannot go up any grade - removed shell and everything seems to be ok and in place - when speed increased I can see motor and shaft turning like crazy but loco does not move according to speed - can anyone assist - would really appreciate your assistance as this switcher really well made and exactly what I require for my motive power.
Thanks for any

[Anonymous]

Rudy,
I've go two of these and find them to be excellent runners. However, you describe a problem that I once had with my first Walthers "Pup". It originally came equipped with a flexible rubber tube connecting the rear motor shaft to the rear power truck. After a while, the tubing became loose on the shaft and power transmission was lost to the rear truck. In effect, the front truck was trying to drag a locked rear truck.
Walthers had a fix in that they offered a free universal link to replace the rear tubing. I wrote them and they came through in good order with a part that was a good retrofit. The SW-1 has been a good runner ever since - and I have lots of running time on it. My second Pup never developed this problem, but I have not run it very much as I have not yet painted it for my home road.
Check to see what kind of linkage you have to that rear truck. If it's a tube, replace it. (Contact Walthers for a free replacement universal link) If you already have universals on both trucks, it sounds like one is loose on the motor shaft or the truck driveshaft. If that is the case, you could score the offending shaft or, with care, fix the slipping bushing with ACC.
I was under the impression that this was corrected on later production runs, but maybe there are still a few of the early ones still out there. You probably could use a universal link from Northwest Shortline or Grandt Line, also.
Once fixed, the unit runs and pulls well at prototypical switcher speeds (not a lot of high end speed), but it does have some gear noise.
I find it to be an excellent switcher.
Jim - Roseau, MN

[Anonymous]

Here's Walthers #, 1-800-2467 and ask for Mike Fedderly(Spelling maybe wrong) on ext 3267. He's their technician.
The Walthers trainline carries a lifetime warranty against failure/defects.

[Anonymous]

Charles and JIm.
Thanks guys - I'll get in touch with Walthers and let them handle problem - say Charles whats that phone number again for Walther you omitted some of the numbers - you gave me 1-8--2467 ext 3267
Jim, I'll be able to explain my problem more clearly to Walthers with your information - thanks a lot - keep on trakin guys
Rudy Montreal Canada

[Anonymous]

Rudy, I will get back to you tonight. The # is at home. Sorry, should proof my typing.

[Anonymous]

Rudy, toll free, 1-800-487-2467.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys - contacted Walthers by E-mail and Mike of customer service got in touch with me and said Walthers products carry lifetime warranty and to send loco for servicing at no cost to me - great news loco on the way to Milwaukee for servicing - How's that for customer service -
keep on trackin

Rudy Montreal Canada