General Discussion (Model Railroader)

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Last post 06-02-2009 12:45 PM by davidmbedard. 4 replies.
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06-02-2009 11:18 AM
Offline Onrman
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-10-2007
Posts 64

Proto 2000 FA2 slow start out of the box - does this model have a bad rap?

Hi I just got in the mail a brand new model from an online seller that I have dealt with in the past. The Proto 2000 FA2 did not move when I first applied the throttle - an MRC DC unit. It did move in both directions once I gently pushed it. It seems to take a fair bit of power to get it to move. Solutions? My Proto Erie Built takes off very quickly while this model slowly moves.

06-02-2009 12:09 PM In reply to
Offline onequiknova
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-17-2003
Illinois
Posts 216

Re: Proto 2000 FA2 slow start out of the box - does this model have a bad rap?

The original Proto FA2's are some 20 years old now. If your engines are new in the box I would suggest taking the trucks apart and removeing the think grease used to lube the gears back then. This grease only gets thinker with age and my be causing your problem. While you have the trucks apart it would be a good time to check for cracked axle gears.

06-02-2009 12:13 PM In reply to
Offline davidmbedard
Top 50 Contributor
Joined on 03-26-2004
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts 5,536

Re: Proto 2000 FA2 slow start out of the box - does this model have a bad rap?

 Yup, your loco is a bit "stiff".

David B

06-02-2009 12:21 PM In reply to
Offline Onrman
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-10-2007
Posts 64

Re: Proto 2000 FA2 slow start out of the box - does this model have a bad rap?

 

The model does have a distinctive greese smell.  In fact you can see it on the truck / wheel mounting area on the underside. What would be the best way to remove the greese once I take the truck cover off?
06-02-2009 12:45 PM In reply to
Offline davidmbedard
Top 50 Contributor
Joined on 03-26-2004
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts 5,536

Re: Proto 2000 FA2 slow start out of the box - does this model have a bad rap?

 These are built exactly like Athearns. 

Take off the shell.

Remove all the electrial connections.

Pry off the gear tower clip.

Put the worm gear and universal joints to the side.

Remove the trucks.

Pry off all the clips that hold the truck halves together.  There should be one on the bottom and 2 on the top.

Seperate the halves.

Remove all the gears and put them in a disposable container with lid.  Also put the worm gear in the container.

Remove the wheels from the axle/gears by pulling them apart.  Replace them with Athearn  axle/gears.  The Lifelike ones will split, you might as well change them now.

Put some detergent and water in the container with the parts.  Place the lid on and shake.

When you are happy with the removal of the factory grease, then dry the parts on a towel or whatever...

********OPTIONAL******

Reassemble the trucks and wire up the unit.  Introduce a tooth paste like pearldrops to the gears by removing the bottom truck clip.  Run in both directions for 1 hour at high speed.  Then dissasemble and clean again.  This will remove any burrs in the gears and plolish them.

**************************

Reassemble the trucks and put in a quality oil or grease.  It is your choice as long as you use it sparingly.

Solder wires to both halves of the truck frames for pickup (bypassing the mechanical electrical connection in use).

Reassemble the trucks to the frame and reattach the universal joints and snap the worm gear into place taking care with the placement of the bearings.

Hope this helps.  It is easier then how it sounds.

David B

 

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