Post War Culvert Unloader Too Loud

Securing it and also putting some sound deadening foam inside would probably help.

Unfortunately the vibrating coil drive mechanisms used in many late accessories do make noise. These drive mechanisms were introduced to replace motors at a time when Lionel was in a serious cost cutting mode. They could have gone to using small DC can motors with a rectifier but it seems that they used the cheapest solution possible. Years back kids were thrilled by the noise and maybe that was part of the appeal. Today the same audience of adults finds the noise annoying. Try mounting the accessory on foam board and see if that helps.  

Thanks guys, I appreciate your quick reply.

I have not yet tried insolating inside the loader with foam as John recommended to deaden the sound, nor have I tried to mount the culvert unloader on foam board per Dennis' recommended. It was just too easy to stop by an auto part store and buy a sheet of cork gasket material 1/16 inch thick.

I spent a couple hours cutting the gaskets and fitting them. That was a waste of time, except I noticed some marks on inside of the lower portion of the plastic "box" covering where the vibrating coil apparently been rubbing. So I remove the gasket and with 2 vise grip pliers I adjusted the frame holding the coil.

The loud noise problem solved! Yes the unloader still makes some noise, but it is a reasonable amount that is grandmother approved, so the grandkids and I will not have to get the hearing protection.

I’ll try to recreate the fix and upload some pictures to this thread.

Gene

Isn't it a great accomplishment when you find the simple easy fix? I really enjoy my postwar loader/unloader pair - the problem I have is that my layout just isn't large enough and I didn't think far enogh ahead so now the siding that my pair resides on is oriented wrong - Since the unloader is at the bumper end, I cannot unload the second car without excessive mental gymnastics of switching and uncoupling and maneuvering.