Atlas N Scale Geep

[Anonymous]

I recently purchased one of those Atlas N scale GP-38's in GM&O, and while the detail and paint job are excellent, the darn thing sounds like a coffee grinder. Is there anything I can do to reduce the noise this loco makes? Or is this typical of Atlas N Scale diesels?

[Anonymous]

Try using some LaBelle plastic compatible oil on the motor bushings...sounds like they may be dry..be very very sparing with it though. Also put some Labelle plastic compatible grease on the gears in the trucks...they may be dry too. Be sure that the motor is not touching the sides of the body shell...that tends to amplify any vibrations. Lastly if this loco's drive train uses those tiny little ball and socket universal joints between the motor and the trucks check to see if they are aligned correctly or there is any plastic "flash" in the sockets are on the balls. If so clean them up with a sharp X-Acto knife. Hope this helps....Vic

[thirdrail1]

No, it is definitely NOT typical of Atlas Diesels. It may need lubrication or parts may be out of alignment or possibly the screws holding the two halves of the frame together are too tight. Try backing these screws off slightly and see if it quiets down first. Atlas has a forum at www.atlasrr.com for each scale they make and Atlas' customer service is excellent as well. If you are afraid to mess with the loco, they may be willing to exchange it.

[bluepuma]

Mine is rather noisy too! It is from a prior run, in GP9TT Southern Pacific Bloody Nose paint. Seems to run okay, but even my wife notices it downstairs when I'm running it upstairs.
Nearly as noisy as my 30 year old Arnold FA2, and Bachmann F7A/B is SP Black Widow.

But my SD35 units and SD60M units are much better, not much worse than my Kato F7A/B - my LifeLike SD7 is a winner, my PA/PB are all quiet. All I usually hear with LL is rail click.

[Anonymous]

You shouldn't hear anything except the click of the wheels on the railjoints. If you try the remedys suggested on the previous responses and it doesn't quiet down take it back to where you bought it and exchange it.

[Anonymous]

Lisa it is not typical of Atlas N scale locomotives. I have several that do the same but after a while they calm down. one thing I noticed was a dab of paint on the armature which was contacting the frame. When it finally wore down the machines ran rather nicely.