There are three versions of the icing Station. The original and the remake by MPC, both of which have the same solenoid mechanism. Then there is the newer version with a motor. I had the newer version last year and I was less than pleased with it's operation. I tried different voltage settings, but most of the ice cubes did not make it into the refrigerated box car.
I wonder if anyone here has had experiences similar to mine.
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I have the newer version with the can motor (maybe early 2000's catalog?) and it works well. Occasionally, I'll have a cube that doesn't make it into the car but it's rare.
You may need to get it closer to the car and that can require cutting some roadbed away if using Fastrack or Realtrax.
The earlier can motor versions had a problem of the extension arm not traveling far enough for the iceman not to go back far enough to 'load' the next ice cube behind the paddle. The DC motor gearbox can be moved slightly on the structure to correct this problem.
On yours, what is the problem as far as the ice cube not loading in the car?
Well for me I have the postwar model. As postwar goes everything doesn't always work according to plan. Some milk cans get thrown off the platform, lumber doesn't make the drop into the car, or in this case ice cubes don't always drop into the car. The fun of postwar occasionally working is part of the fun. Cause when it does work without any kind of slip up, you feel like you've won the lottery. At least that's how I feel.
Dont forget the 5-finger cowboy that always hangs around the horse and cattle cars 
I have the first-redesigned 12703 icing station from 1988, and it works very well. The issue of the paddle not getting behind the ice cubes far enough I solved by shaving the head of the paddle a tad with a file.
I resolved the paddle clearance issue on my modern version ice station by raising the ice man a bit on his mount. I used a smidge of white glue to keep him in that position.
Mine has worked perfectly (knock wood) since I made this adjustment about ten years ago.
Curt
Chuck Sartor posted:The earlier can motor versions had a problem of the extension arm not traveling far enough for the iceman not to go back far enough to 'load' the next ice cube behind the paddle. The DC motor gearbox can be moved slightly on the structure to correct this problem.
On yours, what is the problem as far as the ice cube not loading in the car?
The cubes are not making it all the way into the car. Instead, they are falling or getting caught in the gap between the car and platform. The point is mute as I sold it last year. I'm looking for another at the moment.
No matter how much I love the scale offerings from Lionel, MTH, & Atlas I can't seem to give up on the Iceman! I think it may come from my same affection for the 3 Stooges "Iceman" episode! We can't sing Happy Birthday in my house without the adding the cheer from the end of that short!
I've got the remake 6-2306 ice station and it works great, it'll throw ice off the layout if you position it right . Maybe it's time to get one that is a little older that, believe it or not, works better than the new stuff.
Paul
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