HELP - Premier European Duchess Steam Loco - Clicking/Humming Noise from Motor (3rail)

If the flywheel is rubbing you will see marks on the back.  Looking at the dogbone drive shaft it looks like it is set right, but really can't see the from right.

 

You need to watch this with shell off and see the motion of the flywheel thrust and try to localize the sound.

 

The other area to check is the worm gear and axle gear for mesh and lubrication.   G

From what I can tell the flywheel is spinning freely and nothing is rubbing. There is a space between the speed reader and the flywheel. The sound is coming from inside of the motor itself.

Any tips on oiling/working on the motor? Does it come apart to acces the inside or it that a bad idea?

Yes, it does but you need to be careful of the brush springs.  You can oil the bearing the shaft comes through.

 

There are thrust washers inside, but I would send an e-mail to MTH.  See if they will send you a motor.  IF it is internal it may be best to just replace it.  G

Thank you for your responses. I will trying oiling after I get home from work. If that does work I will contact MTH. I just received the loco less than a month ago.

Weird, I just noticed that this engine is PS-2 not PS-3 and apparently from the 2015 catalog according to MTH web site.  G

Yep, they are PS-2. It's what they were when they were originally released. When they were re-catalogued there was an error in printing. I spoke directly with MTH and my hobby dealer and they both confirmed PS-2. I really wish they were PS3 and had the sound clarity that PS3s have.

Because MTH added the baggage car they had to release them with a new number. The original locomotive and what mine really is, is:20-3371-1

You say it is a month old.  I absolutely would not open up the motor because (1) it's probably very difficult to get it back together (to get brushes to ride on commutator) and (2) you'll void the warranty.  Sounds like an internal thrust bearing, and if that's bad, no point is the loco starting life with a defect that will require a motor change after warranty.

 

In short, I agree with GGG's advice