362 Barrel loader help - fixed!

If the ramp is made too slick, the barrels cannot move up the ramp.

The original barrel loader had a rectifier disk in the base. On those models, it was often beneficial to put a rectifier diode in series with the loader.

If the internal rectifier was good, the loader would only work with the rectifer installed in one direction.

If the internal rectifer was bad, the loader would work regardless of which way the rectiter was installed.

Unlike the rectifiers in transformer whsitle circuits, the rectifiers inside the barrel loaders are often weak or bad.

You want 1/2 wave DC, so only one rectifier is used, not a bridge rectifier.

I suggest also making certain that the vibrating parts are not striking anything.

You can also just use a standard silicon diode to replace the rectifier disk, cheaper and easier to find.

Gents,

Would the rectifier/silicone diode be replaced in the hopes of increasing the vibration? I ask because the unit seems to vibrate quite a bit already. I can make the barrels jump off the lower collection pool and ramp with higher voltage. They just refuse to climb past the halfway point of the ramp regardless of the voltage.

Would a thin, slightly abrasive or rough material applied to ramp help with the climb?

My 362 works best at 5-7 volts.  No bouncing, and it really looks like a conveyor is moving the barrels.

quote:

Would the rectifier/silicone diode be replaced in the hopes of increasing the vibration?

Yes, there is a big difference between how the loader works when the rectifier is good. As John and I have already written, you can use an external rectifier.

IMHO, Rob's advice is on the right track too. Personally, when I adjust them, I set the voltage to about 12 volts, and adjust the gap for the best performance. That usually means closing the gap just short of the vibrating armature hitting the electomagnet.
Unless you have a service manual, you may not be aware that Lionel indicated that loosening the locking screw, and sliding the electromagnet would only provide a coarse adjustment. Here is the first page of the service manual sheets on the Barrel loader, with tuning and setup tips (don't screw it down tightly).

The barrels have very little to do with the motion. My grandkids place small plastic animals on the ramp and they move up the ramp just as well as the barrels.

I have also found, that whether glossy or not, it also helps to rub the surface of each barrel, with steel wool or a fine grit sandpaper.

George

I found that I had to fasten the loader down a bit to help get consistent vibration.  Not fastened to the point it can't vibrate as well, but enough to keep it in place and the vibration movement lower.

Jim

Yes, this is good advice.  

Everyone tends to focus on voltage and the mechanical adjustments (which admittedly are usually the problem) but the degree to which the loader is fastened to the layout can also be an issue. A simple test is to place the loader on your layout, turn it on, and press down firmly on each end of the platform. As you slowly release pressure you can see how well, or not,  the barrels are moving up the ramp.  Fasten to the layout accordingly.  

Thanks to everyone for the tips.

I'll report back with results soon.

Very much appreciated and Happy New Year!

Very good point.  My 362 has been screwed down quite securely since 1971.

Gents,

Glad to report that the barrels are moving up the ramp quite well now.

I tried George's suggestion and roughed up the barrel rings with sandpaper and that did the trick.

Checked my meter, just out of curiosity, and my ramp seems to work best at about 6.4 volts.

Thanks again for all of the help. 

Mike