I have a 2009 issue of the Lionel Legacy Union Pacific FEF3 locomotive (item number 6-11116). This is one of my favorite engines but I had not run it in about 6 to 9 months. When I last ran it, it ran fine. Several nights ago, I hooked it to my UP passenger consist but when I ran it, it all the functions worked but as I ran it, I noticed it was hesitating. I had lubricated it last year and with very little run time , figured it was still properly lubed. However, I did oil all moving parts and checked gear lube which still appeared full.
I slowly ran the engine alone and could see it hesitate twice with each full revolution and could hear a scrubbing sound with each hesitation. i also noticed that the ammeter jumped .4 to .6 amps at each hesitation. With the engine upside down in the cradle. the wheels would turn freely through about 150 degrees of rotation and then bind making it very difficult to continue rotating the wheels by hand. Once able to realize another 30 degrees of rotation, it would again turn freely for about 150 degrees and then bind again.
I am not sure how to attack this issue. My fear is that the frame casting has swelled due to zinc rot and is causing the binding. Several years ago, I did have an issue with one of the screw post deteriorating on the frame.
Has anyone experienced such an issue and how did you repair it?
Thanks,
Don
