I run this car every Christmas. My grandkids absolutely love it. Can anyone advise what amperage this car would draw if in excellent condition, and at what voltage? Mine runs about 1.2 amps at 12 volts and 1.4a at 18V, and it seems a little "stiff". Mine has been lubricated, the brushes are good, and the wheels are clean. My car has a new roller. Just trying to determine if my operation is normal, or something I should fix.
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I have to asked, when you serviced it last did you notice the ball bearing in the brush plate? Very often they get lost when servicing.
I cleaned the wheels and replaced the roller, and lubricated the axles, but did not disassemble it. I think it was serviced once in its history since new, for brushes. This was done by a Train Shop, perhaps 35 years ago, so have no idea if it was disassembled. It is run only at Christmas under the tree. I lifted the top of the hood just enough to determine that the brushes are OK. Before I tackled disassembly, I wanted to determine what "normal" operation is.....
I don't have the answer as to your amp draw but I know from experience when you take the gang car apart you may find the main axle gear needs old grease removed and new grease applied. Also apply new grease to the motor armature worm gear, clean flat areas of armature, clean and oil small ball bearing on top of armature and oil small amount on top shaft and greasing reverse plate & gear. Doing these maintenance steps really makes a difference in the gang cars performance, i.e., making it run smoother and changing directions at lower speeds.
TEX
Steve
In addition to all the good advice given here, I'd like to add one more. When you're lubricating the armature shaft, be sure to oil the lower bearing. Everyone lubes the upper bearing, because it's exposed and easy to reach. But all too often the harder-to-get-at lower bearing runs dry, to the detriment of performance and service life.
Looks like disassembly is required. Thanks....!
Looks like disassembly is required. Thanks....!
The first time is always the most difficult. Just take your time, I place parts on a flat surface with old towel on top so they don't move around. Write down the parts as you go in order that you take them off. Then just reverse when assembling. Clean all parts real good. I use very fine emery paper on armature flat surfaces. Grease gears and reverse plate/gear and oil bushings, bearings, shafts and axle's.
You can also take photo's as you go, I find this helps.
TEX
Steve
I used a LW for this test on volts and amps and this is the result..At 8v it pulled 1.0amp, at 10v, it pulled 1.25amp and at 12v, 1.25amp..You should be getting about the same readings, it is only driving one axle and pulling no load...
Marty
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