Hello fellow forumites. I have just received a Flyer 300 set. This is a family estate item. I am not an s gauge guy so please impart me with your knowledge!
First off, what do I have here? Was this a set or all individual items? Any way to tell the age?
There is a 300 engine with a Reading decal, a 938 flyer caboose, two Gulf 33648 3-dome tank cars, and 1 B&O 933 boxcar. There is a No. 1 1/2 transformer, just under enough curves for two full circles, and a manual uncoupling device.
The set probably hasn't run in 30 years.
I did a continuity check on all the track pieces, and none of them are shorted. The transformer power cord is supple although 2 pronged. I took a chance and plugged in the transformer. The fixed voltage output reads 16 to 17 volts and the variable goes to 16 or 17 volts, more or less linear.
I need help getting the engine moving. The wheels turn easy if you spin the motor with your finger. The wheels definitely need cleaned. Is there any product I should use or avoid to clean the wheels. Does the e-unit typically fail on these? Is there a place to find service info? Is the engine always basically hard coupled to the tender?
I put it on the rails, and I got a little sign of life. The light came on occasionally and the engine tried to move backwards.
Is this a 2 position or 3 position e unit? How do I know which direction on the e unit lever is engaged?
There are two wires coming from the tender to the top of the cab. These are cloth insulated. Do both wires get plugged in? The tender axles have a collection plate going across the axles. Shouldn't that cause a short? Inside the engine the wiring from these plugs looks plastic insulated. Maybe it was serviced in the past.
The coupler is broken off the tender. Any suggestions on finding a replacement?
Is there compatible straight track available? Any chance this initially had a crossover. That would make the nearly 2 circles of track make sense. Any recommendations on getting better connection between track sections?
Any info appreciated.
