Tuning old Kato N-scale engines?

[nucat78]

I’ve obtained 4 Kato N-scale SD-40s and 2 Kato N-scale GP-50s that are about 10 years old. They were stored in their original plastic cases but were in a Chicago basement with no dehumidifier.

They run pretty well but the SD-40s squeal at low speeds and the gear noise on the GP50s is pretty loud. Any suggestions on how best to tune these guys up?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

The 40 sounds like the gears are slipping at low speeds, and the GP50's possibly has dried up lube inside the drive.

[bikerraypa]

Hey nucat, Katos that have sat a while are just like anything else that has fallen into disuse...a little maintenance is needed. Before you run them too much, take them apart and clean everything - contacts, truck gears, wheels, EVERYTHING - and then re-lube everything. Make sure to use plastic compatible products (Labelle are best). Then, plop it on the test track and run it at half throttle for about a half hour, run it at varying speeds for another half hour, then set it back to half throttle and just let it run. After an hour or so it will really smooth out nicely. Put a few cars on and run it under load, and it will be ready to roll once again.

Good luck!


Ray