New Smoke Units Failing

Actually, the motor used in the smoke units are common across the product line as a rule.  Lionel has two basic smoke fan motors that are in a vast majority of their products, including the AF models.

FWIW, it's not difficult to change out the smoke motor.

Wow, the noisy fan motor epidemic continues. This started back in 2011.

Funny thing, I have tmcc steamers that have had silent fan motors since they came out of the box 2002.

Time for Lionel to find a new vendor?

The best part is. The replacement fan motors come from parted out production locos. I've replaced fan motors only to have them become noisy again a year or two later.

When is that 1/2 off parts sale again???!!!

Sad that there is no quality anymore.

my new legacy soo line 2-6-0 had a noisey fan from the get go. I oiled the fan motor bearing. still loud as all get out. I carefully took of the back end plate of the motor. put a tiny drop of oil there and carefully put it back together.

That did the trick and it quited down to normal. not sure why since the end I oiled is plastic,but hey it worked. just a shame It had to be done on a brand new $800 engine.

For the longer Lionel motors I use MTH smoke motors, they seem to last longer.  If it requires the shorter motor, then I have to use the Lionel motor.

So why is that MTH can get it right and LIonel continue for what ever the reason is with a much inferior product with a perception that is a high failure rate.

@Ukaflyer posted:

So why is that MTH can get it right and LIonel continue for what ever the reason is with a much inferior product with a perception that is a high failure rate.

I'd pose that question to Lionel.