I recently purchased and installed the Lionel Hot Air Balloon Ride accessory. It was new-in-box but was last cataloged in 2006, which means it probably sat in storage for ~10 years. It operates well, but is extremely noisy. If anyone is familiar with the workings of this accessory, is it worthwhile for me to open it and lubricate the gears? Or am I better off just leaving it as is?
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These are noisy by their nature.
I wouldn't suggest it can't help (though I honestly don't know if it's a good idea either), but the noise doesn't indicate that something is specifically wrong with it, IMO.
My vote would be leave it as it is.
-Dave
I too picked one up recently at a train auction...now have it installed on my layout and it is a "eye catcher"...thats for sure. Have read in previous posts that they are quite noisy...and it appears that yours and mine are no exemption to that noise! I did disassemble mine, thinking that the lubrication had solidified, but found that was not the case. Most, if not all, of the inner workings are plastic...gears, bushings, bearings, case, etc., so I think the noise is just part of the joy of owning this accessory? I have found that most of it is overshadowed if turned on while running some trains...yes, I agree, it is noisy...but oh so neat!!!
I have it also and it too is extremely noisy!
-Pete
That is a characteristic operation for the Hot Air Balloon Accessory. You just have to live with it !!!
Fred
Thanks, all, for the input. I will live with the noise for now, but will not run the accessory often. It looks nice just sitting there.
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