1655 Drivers Binding

[gottcent]

After overhauling a 1655 steam engine, including taking out the armature to clean it, replacing the brushes, etc., I got the motor to work fine. Reassembly went smoothly, and when I put the engine on the track just before replacing the side rods, it ran well. But when I added the side rods (same ones that were on there before), the drivers started to bind--esp the ones on the right side. I can run the engine OK without the rods, but with them, the drivers will turn a maximum of 180 degrees and then stop cold. Any thoughts on what might be causing this problem, and what I can do to alleviate it?

Thanks in advance for any tips.

                                                                            John Gottcent

[lionelsoni]

Did you pull the wheels?  It seems like you might have messed up the quartering.  It is not necessary that the left and right wheels be exactly 90 degrees apart, as many believe; but it is essential that the left-right crank difference be exactly the same on each axle.  If you did pull the wheels and didn't carefully mark wheels and axles, you have quite a trial ahead.

[ivesboy]

 

   When you pull the armature on a 1655 it allows each axle to spin freely, therefore it messes up the quartering. Turn the wheels, so the counterwights(webbing b/w the spokes) are in the same position say 6' oclock on the same side, then insert the armature. That should correct the problem. 

[gottcent]

Thanks. I didn't pull the wheels, but I did remove the armature. I wondered if that might have something to do with it, since the drivers didn't seem to bind before. I'll try your tip. BTW--does this happen on many other steamers, or is it unique to a 1655, since that engine is an early Scout?

 

                                                                                               John