I'm running them on as big a radius as I can fit into available space, which is modern Atlas O-90 and O-99 nickel silver. These engines rock on the curves, like the curves are too tight. Is there a fix? Will this wear out the drivers?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I would suggest you start by checking the wheel gauge and track gauge. We don't have precise standards for "traditional" O-gauge, but you can make a usable wheel gauge with a piece of cardboard notched to match the flanges of a few different newer wheelsets which should all be close to the same.
Lionel made O27 versions of the early postwar turbine locos (#2020), so they supposedly run on O27 curves ... although wider would be better.
Jim F.,
The Lionel postwar turbine engines (671, 681, 682, 2020) came in o27 and o31 sets, so they should run fine on your Atlas track. Perhaps the rocking is due to wear on the drive train. (Worn wheel bearings?)
I hope you succeed in getting them working, turbines are (IMO) one of the best pw locos.
Hello Jim,
It could very well be the axle bushings(some call bearings) are worn into an egg shape. Maybe the axles are showing excessive wear. Turn the loco upside down in a engine cradle or on a soft towel. You'll need to rock each axle.(you might need to remove the drive rods) There should be little to no rocking. If loco was not serviced on a regular basis would cause this type of wear.(These are easy to replace) I might suggest that you obtain, Bruce Greenberg's repair manual for post war products. The prices are reasonable on amazon.
My father-in-law 681 runs fine on O-27 all the time....as does his GG-1 and 2025 locos....must be an issue.
Are you pulling a train or run the engine and tender with no load? Flat grade? At what speed? On the same curve or all the way around the circle, forward in a clockwise AND counter clockwise direction? In both directions forward and reverse? Do you have any other track to do a test? Can you post a video?
There have been issues discussed here in the past about the difference between operation on T rail as opposed to round top rail. You might see if you can get some tubular track and see if it also has a problem on the round head rail.
Good idea. Thank you.
I've tried both but the train was light. I will try a heavier load. Thanks for the idea.
I think you are right. I'lm checking it out. Thanks.
I do like them. I'll check on the bearings. Thanks.
Will do. Thanks for the tip.
Check the castings on the pilot and trailer trucks. I have seen them warped enough to cause problems.
I run these on 12.37" radius curves on my O-27 layout - no problems.
good to know. thanks
Good idea. Will do. Thanks.
