I have a brand-new Life-Like Proto-N SW9 locomotive. It runs well, and its slow speed performance seems admirable (I'm a newcomer to the hobby, so take that assessment with a grain of salt!). However, it's loud--at anything other than the slowest speed setting, the unit makes loud grrrrr noise as it tools along.
Here's the locomotive I'm talking about:
I've captured a short video clip of it in action. I wonder if those of you with a few spare minutes and fast enough internet connection could take a look at it and let me know if this unit is indeed loud, or if it's pretty much par for the course in its class/price range. It's in Windows WMV format, about 6.5MB, lasting just over 1 minute. Thank you in advance for any help.
http://www.ptvavm.com/hold/Proto-N-SW9.wmv
The vide is in three stages; the first one is the locomotive at a slow speed setting; then "normal" speed with the noise; and finally a sky-cam following the engine.
If it is indeed loud--would this be a design defect, or just a matter of needing lubrication? The instruction sheet says the unit comes pre-lubed from the factory.
Oh, one final question about the locomotive: Does the rear headlights not work when the unit is moving in reverse? That is, the front headlights are the only functioning ones?
Thank you again!
Are you sure that's not part of the on board sound system?
It's a bit hard to tell from the audio, but it sounds like gear or drive train noise. Have you had the shell off to see if the universals are rubbing anything, and that the gears are well greased? Is a stray wire in the way? It could be motor bearing or brush noise as well.
It does a really nice low-speed crawl in spite of its problem. Reminds me of the EL units I used to see around home.
Nelson
Ex-Southern 385 Being Hoisted
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Thank you both for the replies. It's good to know that this is actually what a smooth low-speed crawl looks like!
I haven't taken it apart yet, but will do so based on both your suggestions. Hopefully my clumsy fingers won't break something in the process. I'll report back here later with results.
Well I sure can use some more help... please!
I'm trying to take the shell off the SW9 locomotive so that I can examine and lubricate, if necessary. However, I'm having a heck of a time trying to figure out how to remove the shell! This is how far I've gotten so far:
I don't seem to be able to pull the chassis out further without damaging something. Any suggestions would be most gratefully received!
(The instructions, such as they are, are no help, by the way)
I don't have one as a reference, but is it possible that the bronze wiper is holding the shell down since it has slipped under the contact on the rear truck? It should be riding on top. Also, are there any plastic tabs or lugs holding the shell in the rear? Any screws? Proto 2K generally has snap on shells, though.
Well, problem solves, sorta. I didn't have to remove the shell; the two trucks just pull down and out, and I was able to lubricate the worm and the gears with 2-26 and already it sounds much better. Still don't know how to remove the shell, though.
Whew...!