Switcher Saturday 10-15-22

@MELGAR posted:

Bill,

Has the "jerky" operation at low speed been resolved on your GE 70 ton model?

MELGAR

Thanks, John, I have resolved the "jerky" forward operation. The "run-in" at moderate speed you suggested didn't resolve the problem, so I did two things:

1. Since they are symmetrical and the axle gear is straight-cut, I reversed one of the drive axles so the traction tires of both trucks are on the same side. This greatly reduced the "jerkiness," but did not completely eliminate it.

2. Realizing that the Williams traction tires are VERY sticky, I removed them, applied a TINY amount of silicone plumber's grease, rubbed it in, allowed it "soak-in" overnight, and wiped them with tissue. I reinstalled them, and- Voila! she ran smoothly in forward at minimum speed:

even pushing a few cars:

Now, the only problem I'm having is the insufficient side-to-side coupler travel I've mentioned above. Fixed pilots make for a nice look, but are a problem around the "non-prototypical" curves of my coffee-table pike.

BTW, I enjoyed immensely your 10-22 SWSAT presentation on your MTH LIRR DD-1. What a neat little loco that is and great history, too!

Bill, the your solutions to the "jerky" problem are very interesting.  I'm not sure I'm up to reversing a drive axle, but I might give silicon plumber's grease a try.  I'm also thinking about removing the traction tires; a recent thread on the Forum showed it didn't have a lot of effect on traction and an engine ran fine without tires.

I'd love to take credit for the DD-1 post, but our fellow SwSat contributor, modeler and historian "par excellence", MELGAR, is responsible for it.  We all can look forward to his future posts on the best thread in the Forum!

John

@Steam Crazy posted:

Bill, the your solutions to the "jerky" problem are very interesting.  I'm not sure I'm up to reversing a drive axle, but I might give silicon plumber's grease a try.  I'm also thinking about removing the traction tires; a recent thread on the Forum showed it didn't have a lot of effect on traction and an engine ran fine without tires.

I'd love to take credit for the DD-1 post, but our fellow SwSat contributor, modeler and historian "par excellence", MELGAR, is responsible for it.  We all can look forward to his future posts on the best thread in the Forum!

John

Bill,

I wonder if the original traction tires had a problem or were installed incorrectly. You might try installing the extra traction tires supplied with the locomotive and using the originals as the spare set.

John,

Such adulation pertaining to me is entirely unwarranted!

MELGAR

@Steam Crazy posted:

Bill, the your solutions to the "jerky" problem are very interesting.  I'm not sure I'm up to reversing a drive axle, but I might give silicon plumber's grease a try.  I'm also thinking about removing the traction tires; a recent thread on the Forum showed it didn't have a lot of effect on traction and an engine ran fine without tires.

I'd love to take credit for the DD-1 post, but our fellow SwSat contributor, modeler and historian "par excellence", MELGAR, is responsible for it.  We all can look forward to his future posts on the best thread in the Forum!

John

Oops! Sorry, John. I thought MELGAR's first name was John, too!

No apology needed, Bill, being mistaken for MELGAR is a compliment!

John

@Steam Crazy posted:

Bill, I also have a Williams 70 tonner.  The first time I ran it on my O-31 curves it went around with no problems, but the second time the lead car derailed due to the lack of coupler travel.  What was the difference?

A different car behind the engine.  The first time I had a Lionel reefer coupled up; the second, a MTH boxcar.

Try pulling some different cars in your collection to see if that helps,  Good luck!

BTW, I’ve had no coupler travel problems with my Williams 44 tonner.  The 44 also starts and stops better than the 70.  Pulling a heavy train with the 70 helps, but it still starts and stops with a jerk (but runs smoothly otherwise).

John

John, I have, indeed, noticed that the lead car derailing tendency is rolling stock dependent. Oddly enough, my newer Williams boxcars don't play well with my 70 tonner. You'd think they would have tested the loco with their own rolling stock! Until I modify the guide grooves in the chassis, I've got a few cars to use as leaders.

@Steam Crazy posted:

Bill, the your solutions to the "jerky" problem are very interesting.  I'm not sure I'm up to reversing a drive axle, but I might give silicon plumber's grease a try.  I'm also thinking about removing the traction tires; a recent thread on the Forum showed it didn't have a lot of effect on traction and an engine ran fine without tires.

I'd love to take credit for the DD-1 post, but our fellow SwSat contributor, modeler and historian "par excellence", MELGAR, is responsible for it.  We all can look forward to his future posts on the best thread in the Forum!

John

John, I would definitely not run without traction tires on this model. There is vertical play in the drive wheel axle on each truck that will cause the grooved wheel to drop relative to the "smooth" one, causing the drive axle and, hence, its gear to tilt relative to the worm on the motor. This may cause premature wear on the worm and gear. Also, the empty traction tire groove may "catch" on switch, rerailer and cross track "frogs." The silicone grease treatment will help a little with the suddenness of starts and stops. Unfortunately, the tiny flywheels Williams placed at the ends of the worms on the motors don't work at all.

Bill

Bill, I’ll heed your advice.  Thanks!

John