walthers locomotive

[lsi3009]

I just purchased a walthers gp9 locomotive, it has the brass strips on the side frames too pick up power, well it runs ok, but not the greatest at lower speeds, wants to stall on switches and other areas on the layout. Is there anything I can do too help improve this

[Medina1128]

Check to ensure that ALL of the brass contacts are actually touching the back of the wheels. When I get a locomotive with this type of power arrangement, one of the first things I do is remove all of the wheels and clean the backs with lacquer thinner or alcohol. Sometimes, they over oil the geartrain and it gets on the backs of the wheels. Also, give the contact strips a GENTLE tweak outwards so when you put the wheels back in, they have good contact. 

Make sure to give a close look to make sure the contact strips are touching the backs of the wheels. I've had some where the strip was under the wheel, instead of touching the back of it.

[ricktrains4824]

Isi3009, it will sound real odd, but, in addition to above post, also clean the wheel treads. I once had a factory new locomotive, with so much lubrication, that is was all over not only the backs of the wheels, but also the treads. Makes for some real interesting operation as it not only makes for slip-sliding performance, it inhibits the electrical path. So, less pulling power, less electrical conduction, poor performance all around. All caused by manufacturer error on lubrication.

[MisterBeasley]

If the engine picks specific areas of your layout to stall, it's telling you something about your trackwork.  Yes, the engine itself is probably deficient in power pickup, but if you don't have enough feeders and depend on rail joiners to maintain power over multiple sections of rail, you're eventually going to have problems with other engines, too.  Long turnouts with unpowered frogs are another common problem.  Finally, when was the last time you cleaned your track?

[Soo Line fan]

Is this the only engine with this concern? If so its highly likely you have a pickup problem. Lift each end of the loco off the track with power applied and see if you can narrow it down to one truck.

[lsi3009]

Thanks everyone for your help, took the side frames apart and wiped the brass strips and wheels  with rubbing alcohol and bent the brass strips so they rub closer to the wheels runs great now