I have a couple of Atlas RS3's that I purchased used. Both of the locos are early production runs without flywheels. One even has unblackened wheels! Had some problems with smooth, consistent running. Took them apart to see what i could see. Cleaned them up, reassembled and ran them. A little better but still not good. Disassembled again and took a real close look at the trucks and found the wipers not touching the wheels all the time! Took them apart and bent the wipers out so they apply light pressure on the wheels. Tun like tops now! But . . . from the side they look good. From the top they look as though they're crabbing against a strong cross wind! (Wipers are on opposite sides when the trucks are installed.) Any one else noticed this? Has anyone tried to make the wheels run more centered or more freely able to shift from side to side. Also, why doesn't the current transfer from wheels to frame more reliably?
Thanks for your help, Scott in MO