I have purchased a 671 and a 681 both in the last few weeks. My question is:
While running around a loop, the engines run fine for roughly 3-4 loops....then randomly stops (all power goes off). Then after about 3 seconds the power comes back on in neutral. Anyway this is a result of a dirty motor armature or anything like that?
Grady
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Hi,
It sounds as though they may be drawing more current than you transformer can supply, and that the overload cut-out is operating.
If these locomotives haven't been run for some time, they would probably benefit from a good clean and lubrication service.
I have an old 2046 that hadn't run in 30 years before it came to me. When I first went to run it, it was so stiff and needed so much current that it dimmed the lights in 3 counties. After a thorough strip-down, cleaning and replacement of all lubricants it now runs happily pulling a rake of illuminated coaches without a hint of an overload from a CW-80.
I recommend using 5W-20 or 5W-30 motor for lube. Grease, light machine oil, 3 in 1 oil, WD-40, Lionel Lube, etc., all will dry out and get hard or gummy. I have a 2025 loco that was put in the box in 1965. When I took it out of the box about 2 years ago, it did not need to be lubed, and it ran just fine. I had lubed it in 1965 with Valvoline 20W-40. Motor oil never dries out.
For the 726/736/671/681/2020 locos, you must remove the shell to lube them. 3 screws.
For the diesels, you must disassemble the motor and gearbox to lube them.
For the whistle tenders, you must remove the shell to lube them.
I recommend lubing the pickup rollers.
I also recommend lubing the commutators but not unless the slots are clean. The oil will release the dirt from the slots and foul the commutator. I do this with all my locos, and it reduces the motor friction. And no, it doesn't interfere with the electrical operation of the commutator.
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