Transformer or Train problem

[rlkbaylor]

First, forgive my ignorance, but I'm new to the hobby. I have an MTH train and track that is remote operated. I've been setting it up for the kids for a couple years. Now that my kids are a little older & really into trains, I decided I'd start buying some new stuff for them. I thought it would be nice to have some old Lionel's.

I found an inexpensive 1952 2034 scout steam loco. The guy said that it ran fine. When I put it on the MTH railking track, it slugishly moved a few feet, then stopped. Ever since everytime I put it on the track & turn it on it trips the transformers breaker.The MTH loco runs fine, no problems.

Do the old lionels need a difft transformer or could it be the loco?

Any ideas as to the problem? Thanks

 

[ADCX Rob]

 It's the loco.  The smallest MTH set transformer - Z-500  - should have plenty of power to run the 2034.  The good news is that all it probably needs is a good cleaning, inspection, & lubrication(grease on gears, oil on axles & bearings).  It's drawing too much current trying to get all the hair/tinsel/carpet fibers/pet fur/old grease churning through the drivetrain.  Look it over carefully, check the Lionel website for maintenance tips(there are probably diagrams in some of the owner's manuals on line there - like for the 8040 steam loco -  that would be good guides, very close to the 2034).

Rob 

[mpzpw3]

I'm guessing it's the loco.. Don't know much about the 2034, but I would open it up and check for a wire missing some insulation and possibly rubbing on another metal part of the engine. That would be about the easiest thing I can think of at the moment.

[rlkbaylor]

Thank You

[phillyreading]

If the 2034 scout loco is anything like the 235 scout loco made by Lionel it is not an easy item to repair. I had to replace the original motor in my 235 scout to get it to run. Post a photo of the bottom side of the steam loco so others can see if it is worthy of being repaired.

What do the center roller wheels look like? In the case of the 235 scout you must take the motor assembly apart to get access to the center roller wheels, a two to three hour repair if all goes well, it was not ment to be repaired!

Lee F.

[ezmike]

The 2034 is the post war loco that replaced the traditional Scout locos that had the basically self contained and for all intents and purposes unservicable Scout motor. The 2034 motor is just like the other steam locos produced by Lionel,  Here's a link to the repair manual diagrams.

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/2034.htm

 Hope this helps.

Mike

[rlkbaylor]

Thanks Again, the link to the olsens toy website was exactly what I needed. Last night I took it apart & looked for hair & such. Didnt really see anything that would be obstructing the motor, but wiped down quickly with a paper towel. Put back together & it ran slugishly at first, but after it warmed up (5 minutes) it ran really well. Kinda loud, but well. Oddly though, it seems to run better in reverse than forward.

This weekend I think I'm going to try to clean each of the motor's parts seperately. I may even replace all the wires, I assume the new wires just need soddered into place.

 Any suggestions for cleaning? WD 40?

[mpzpw3]

I wouldn't us WD-40. I use alchol, but I have heard others use mineral spirits. WD seems to leave a film. Remember to grease the gears and oil the rotating parts when you're done cleaning. Yes, new wires just need soldered on.

[lionelsoni]

Unless the old wires have missing or cracked insulation or are about to break at the solder joints, it's extremely unlikely that they are causing or will cause a problem.  I would leave them alone.