Vision Challenger no pulling power

zhublOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have the Lionel UP challenger #3985 1931260 and it has a lack of pulling power. I suppose the correct discerption is a lack of traction, it seams like all the weight of the locomotive is on the front axle of the rear engine witch of course has not traction tire. This leaves little to no weight on the rear axle where most of the work is done. Big boy or even my FEF can pull the same train with no problem (well the FEF shows strain 😅) but still I should be able to get way more out of this locomotive hoping someone has a idea of stuff to check. I have tried replacing tires.

Attachments

Hide

Videos (1)

trim.CF4A2A6C-E0D5-452E-B4A3-CF90791848FD

2/19/239:21 PM

❤️ 0

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

harmonyardsOGR Forum Member

Between the first & second set of drivers on the front drive block, there’s a tongue that sticks up and holds a spring & cup washer. See if that spring is collapsed or the cup washer is jammed …..that spring & cup washer is what’s supposed to support the boiler course level so the rear wheels on the rear block ( which are fixed to the boiler shell ) sit firmly on the rail head,……if the spring is mushed, or messed up, maybe try a slightly stiffer spring ……

Pat

2/19/239:36 PM

❤️ 6

zhublOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Well that's definitely something I never thought to look at. While the spring isn't mashed or bound up it dose seam to be a lower "duty" spring than the one on the original VL Challenger I have I might just try replacing that and see how it goes.

Thanks Pat!

2/19/2311:23 PM

❤️ 1