Electrical Problems

[Anonymous]

I have recently took my model railroad out of a storage building. I finally got the track all layed out. But now the locomotives will not run. They are getting power from the power box, but the locomotives will not move? So what may be the problem, and would you please offer solutions.

Also I think I burned up a motor in one of my locomotives, so how do I go about replacing a motor?

These locomotives are HO scale. Thanks for your help.

[tstage]

mcin3634,

What kind of storage building are we talking about? Heated or unheated? How long were they in storage? What kind of temperature conditions did they subjected to? That may be part of the problem.

Remove the shell from your locomotives and see what kind of condition your gears and wheel bearing are in. Are they still oily or are they dry. If they're dry, you or someone else can lubricate them with the right kind of grease or oil.

I'll leave the "replacing a motor" response to others more adept at answering the question. Hope that helps...

Tom

[randybc2003]

If your locos have been in storage a long time, the motor may be frozen. If they still work, you may have to lube the motor bearings, and turn them by hand some to "break" them in. Also, clean the track, wheels, etc. Brushes and etc. may have to be raplaced. I would take the loco to your local hoby shop, and have their expert look it over. I have a couple of old Tyco locos that get stubborn with little or no use, and they have to be "overhauled" occasionaly. I am thinking of re-motoring them with new can motors. Good luck, and have fun!! [:)]

[Anonymous]

Perhaps a build up of oxidation. Brass track if you have it, oxidizes as a faster rate.