Login
or
Register
Subscriber & Member Login
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Login
Register
Home
»
Model Railroader
»
Forums
»
General Discussion (Model Railroader)
»
Athearn Engine Trobble
Edit post
Edit your reply below.
Post Body
Enter your post below.
I'm guessing that you've got some gear lash and maybe a loose thrust bearing. You want the slack just barely taken up by the thrust bearings. If you can find some very small and thin teflon bearings they'll do the best job. <br /> <br />My break-in prodedure goes as follows: <br /> <br />1. Squirt plenty of no-scratch cleanser into the gear boxes and run it for 1/2 an hour with light to medium load on it. <br /> <br />2. Disassemble the gear boxes and hose them clean and dry them. Lightly grease (plastic compatible) and re-assemble. Also lightly grease the axles. <br /> <br />3. Glue ONE end of the driveline with silicone caulk. This can be taken apart if needed, but will remove the "slop" in it. <br /> <br />4. Shim the worm gear to minimize the lash but not bind the gears. Use light-weight grease on it. <br /> <br />5. Poli***he motor armature with a white pen eraser. These are harder than a pencil eraser. Be careful NOT to damage the motor windings. <br /> <br />6. Using a toothpick LIGHTLY oil the motor bearings, keep the oil away from the armature and windings. <br /> <br />7. Hot-wire the pickups by cutting back the big copper "bar" on top of the motor and soldering small stranded wires from the "bar" to the axle pickup bars. <br /> <br />8. If you're adventurous, add lead to the underside of the body to increase traction. I've added up to 12 ounces on an AC4400. This will dramatically increase the traction and smooth out the operation. It'll also plow any cars off the rails that get in the way.... <br /> <br />Hope this helps! <br /> <br />Mark in Utah
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag
Update Reply
Subscriber & Member Login
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Login
Register
Users Online
There are no community member online
Search the Community
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter
See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter
and get model railroad news in your inbox!
Sign up