Lionel U28CG Santa Fe Chirps on Curve?

I dont have this locomotive but I have heard the sound. For me it was the flywheel rubbing something on the inside of the shell.

What happens if you run it in the opposite direction? Check the truck as well theres usually alot of lateral movement of the axles and gearsets to allow for negotiating tighter radius, could need a bit of lubrication.

I tried running in the opposite direction and no chirping. I will also check the trucks for any hangups one way or the other.

Thanks!

franktrain

I have this engine franktrain, but I've never run it on anything smaller than 0-72. I would agree it sounds like possibly the front motor's flywheel hitting something inside the shell, possibly the plastic engineer's cab assembly.

I have several of the new Lionel engines and all of them have a chirp going around curves. I run mostly 072. I don't think it's a motor flywheel issue because the motors on the new style trucks do not move.  I oiled , re greased you name it and they still chirp. Perhaps Mike R could give us an answer. I don't think it's anything we need to worry about.

Romiller

This may have nothing to do with the problem, but have you checked that all of the traction tyres are correctly fitted? Sometimes if they are not fitted correctly, or if the truck side-frames are not aligned properly when the screws are tightened, the tyres can catch on the brake shoes as the axles float sideways on curves.

I found my chirp! The engine end railing was hitting the wall ooops!!!! It also looks like some of my other engines were hitting the wall also.

My track plan is not set permanently so I can move things easily enough.

Thanks to everyone for their input!

franktrain

Thats funny Frank! The best "fixes" are the easy ones!  Glad you figured it out and posted the solution. All too often folks neglect posting the solution to a problem, I know I usually try to make a mental note in case I ever have the same issue(s).