Hi,
I have no elevation on my layout, but my Lionel 221 can only pull one or two cars. I have plenty of power from my ZW to the layout, one lockon per loop (I have three interconnected loops). Maybe I need more lockons on each loop? Or does the 221 need some tweaking?
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Lionel made more than one engine numbered 221. What do you have? Is it a diesel, or steam?
What happens, do the wheels slip?
I have the old locomotive, probably prewar. With more than two cars attached, it struggles to move forward or backward.
Is this the engine you have ? -
when is the last time you lubrated the engine? have you checked the condition of the brushes and armature slots?
Do you have a voltmeter and an ammeter?
Does the train perform better near the lockon, or does it not make a difference as to the location on the loop?
Did this condition just start suddenly, or has it been a gradual loss of power?
I have the old locomotive, probably prewar. With more than two cars attached, it struggles to move forward or backward.
Hi Chris, yes is the engine I have.
when is the last time you lubrated the engine? have you checked the condition of the brushes and armature slots?
No, I haven't lubricated the engine. Not knowing much about this engine and having no manual, I don't know about the condition of the brushes and the armature slots and don't know where they are located on the engine. I guess I'll have to take the engine to my friendly neighborhood train guy who helps me out a lot with my layout, wiring and repairs.
Do you have a voltmeter and an ammeter?
Does the train perform better near the lockon, or does it not make a difference as to the location on the loop?
Did this condition just start suddenly, or has it been a gradual loss of power?
I don't have either a voltmeter or ammeter. It makes no difference where the engine is in relation to the lockon. This condition has been fairly constant.
This engine is usally a rocket. With 4 cars it should be able to fly off the tracks at a curve. It does lose traction as the amount of cars increases. The wheels would likely spin and slip with an 8 or 9 car train. In all I think your engine needs a good maintenance session.
Check the center rail pickups. If they are misaligned, they could be lifting the drive wheels off the rails.
Yes, I agree that your engine is probably in need of maintenance. Though not a real heavy duty puller, it should haul way more than 2 cars.
Is this the engine you have ? -
Yes, this is the one.
This engine is usally a rocket. With 4 cars it should be able to fly off the tracks at a curve. It does lose traction as the amount of cars increases. The wheels would likely spin and slip with an 8 or 9 car train. In all I think your engine needs a good maintenance session.
Can you recommend a good lubricant for this engine?
To lube the engine, use ordinary motor oil. 5W-20 or 10W-30. Motor oil never dries out or gets gummy. I have used it for 60 years. Lube everything that turns or slides and lube the gears. Don't worry about the commutator slots as they will accumulate dirt but I have never seen the dirt in the slots affect the loco performance. Make sure you lube the armature bearings as if these bearings are dry, the loco will not run well, and you may wear out the bearings and this will cause bad words to be spoken. BTW, I have a hundred locos, and so I have developed ways to keep everything running without spend much time.
IMHO, your engine is likely to be in need of more than just lubrication. The motor probably could use a cleaning. Sometimes the reversing mechanism (e-unit) could use a good cleaning too. (Do not use alcohol to clean the motor)
Another choice for oil would be any lightweight, plastic compatible oil.
I use Labelle 106 grease or Red N Tacky grease where applicable.
Regardless of what you use, don't overlubricate. Too much oil will just attract dirt, and migrate to where it does not belong.
Not everything that turns or slides should be lubricated. Clean the commutator slots. Here is some supporting documentation:
I looked around my house and didn't find any motor oil, but I did find some WD40. I thought, why not? I sprayed a little on the moving parts, and voila - the 221 ran better with two cars coupled. It is still a little slow on the switches and in reverse, but I think it will improve with some more intensive maintenance, which I can have my friendly neighborhood train repair guy do.
WD-40 will become gummy in a few weeks. I don't recommend you use it for anything.
I don't have any test data on LaBelle lubricants or Red and Tacky. CW, if you have some test data I would be grateful if you would publish it on the forum. What we are looking for is the vapor pressure.
Motor oil doesn't ever dry out or become gummy. I had a 2025 that was last used and lubed in 1965. When I took it out of the closet 4 years ago, it ran without any new lube. I used Valvolene 20W-40 back in those days.
Here is some good information on the vapor pressure of motor oil.
Motor oil is designed for lubrication of metals. Newer engines have plastic gears and may not be compatilbe with motor oil. The LaBelle products are compatible with plastics.
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