|
|
Post by gramps on Nov 10, 2024 13:52:02 GMT -8
Newbie here. Resurrecting a small 40 year old set for my grandson. All Tyco except for an Atlas GP40(Santa Fe 3700) locomotive. All DC only. The locomotive runs very slow with reduced pulling power ( a little faster in reverse). The Tyco 899BP controller puts out 18V at the track without locomotive. When I put locomotive on and run at full throtle the track voltage drops to 8 - 9V. Is this normal? If not, how can I tell if it's the locomotive or the controller causing the problem?
BTW, I cleaned all elec connections, the track and wheels and lubed the locomotive
|
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Nov 10, 2024 15:05:41 GMT -8
Does it happen for only one locomotive, or for all of them?
Be sure and check your wiring connections. A poor connection can act exactly like that.
Ed
|
|
|
|
Post by gramps on Nov 10, 2024 19:37:17 GMT -8
Only haave one locomotive. Since the board was in storage for over 30 years I checked and cleaned all wiring and connections
|
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Nov 10, 2024 19:53:33 GMT -8
Might want to lubricate the loco and try again. Might be kinda dry.
Ed
|
|
|
|
Post by bdhicks on Nov 10, 2024 21:02:35 GMT -8
Did you check the voltage at the controller outputs?
|
|
|
|
Post by bnsf971 on Nov 11, 2024 4:14:16 GMT -8
I remember those controllers only put out maybe .5 amp. It's very possible that's all it can do, and if you want more, you'll need a new power pack. As others have suggested, try lubing the gears and bearing surfaces of the engine, and see if it helps. If the engine is an Atlas from 30 years ago, it's probably the one made in Austria. Remove the shell by slipping a small flathead screwdriver between the fuel tank and the side of the shell, where you'll see a small hole with a pin sticking through. Do this on both sides, and pull the shell straight off. A drop of oil through the little hole in the bottom of each truck, onto the gears, and a drop of oil on each end of the motor shaft between the flywheels and motor frame, and a drop of oil on either end of the worm on top of the trucks should suffice. Don't overdo it.
|
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Nov 11, 2024 7:00:28 GMT -8
I remember those controllers only put out maybe .5 amp. It's very possible that's all it can do, and if you want more, you'll need a new power pack.  Total output: 6VA = 18V X .3AEd |
|
|
|
Post by lvrr325 on Nov 11, 2024 13:01:49 GMT -8
I use one of those for testing. In fact it hangs on the garage door handle by it's cord. That way I can test while taking pictures. It should easily handle running one train, in fact the voltage should be enough to blow up the electronics in a new engine. I just tested a Proto 2000 E7 today and it handled it no problem.
The Atlas engine probably should be lubed and let to run for 5 or 10 minutes using some clip leads. The original lube in the trucks might have turned to paste. They're fairly delicate to take apart so if just some new plastic-compatible oil gets it going I'd leave the rest alone.
The 40 year old track could have corrosion issues, brass rail oxidizes and the oxidation won't conduct well. Steel rail also gets an oxidation on it. It would be easy to run a new set of test leads right to the rails and see if that helps.
|
|
|
|
Post by gramps on Nov 11, 2024 13:08:54 GMT -8
As I noted earlier, I disassembled the locomotive and lubed it.(it was really clean, and yes made in Austria) Used gun oil on the shafts and truck oil holes and white lithium/teflon grease on the gears. As to the controller, 30 years ago it ran the locomotive quite fast, so original output was ok. It's a coin toss, think I'll go with a new controller, cheaper than a locomotive if I'm wrong. Hope my grandson appreciates my efforts  |
|
|
|
Post by lvrr325 on Nov 11, 2024 19:16:48 GMT -8
I would suggest an MRC pack of some variety. Even an older one, used, is probably fine. The Tech II series can have an issue where they cut out, but I only sell those for around $25.
|
|
|
|
Post by gramps on Nov 11, 2024 19:32:57 GMT -8
PROBLEM SOLVED!
Borowed a different controller, and all is well.
Just ordered a used MRC 1370 on Ebay
|
|
|
|
Post by gramps on Nov 11, 2024 19:36:19 GMT -8
And,... Thanks all for your help.
|
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Nov 11, 2024 20:06:27 GMT -8
Hooray!
Ed
|
|
|
|
Post by atsfgp7u on Nov 17, 2024 21:03:29 GMT -8
Glad to hear you sorted the issue, but one thing you said raised some concern.
Is gun oil plastic compatible?
Plastics are petro chemical based, as are many types of oils.
So using a NON plastic compatible oil in loco truck gearboxes can lead to axle gears spinning on the wheel shafts as the plastic gear goes 'gooey'.
Labelle (and others) make plastic compatible grease, suitable for model loco truck lubrication.
cheers
Dave
|
|
