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Locomotive Run Sluggish
Henry asks readers:
“I have an 50 year old DC layout with several different types of locomotives which run smoothly. However, I have a Marklin (3034) Class E41 Electric Unit that runs very sluggish. I have check the pick up shoe which seems to be ok. Why do the other locos run ok but this Marklin one doesn’t?”
4 Responses to Locomotive Run Sluggish
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I have a number of locos of same vintage and have overhauled the motors in them. Besides cleaning and oiling, I also checked the magnets. I have found a lot are very weak and that will affect power to the drive section. I have replaced several with new magnets and have been pleased. I have used neo-earth magnets. They come in lots of sizes and shapes and very low cost. Do a google search and you will find lots of sources. Good luck!
A commom problem in old electric motors is a dirty or oily commutator and brushes. This requires stripping down the motor to the point where you can reach in to clean these parts.
My method is to use a tiny folded piece of tissue (paper handkerchief or towel) held in spring tweezers, wetted with lighter fluid, which is very good for degreasing things because it completely evaporates.
(But no smoking or naked lights !)
Some older locomotives may have dried up grease on the gears, and that will surely make for a sluggish operation. You can sometimes remove the old gummy grease with isopropyl alcohol or Goo-Gone, the re-lubricate the gears with a very lite oil or grease. Be care to only use grease and oil that is safe on plastics, and don’t use too much because it will only collect more dirt in use. The above comments are all true, that older motor’s magnets loose their strength and will draw too much current. Also on open frame motors, the armatures will be very dirty, and if used a whole lot, will build up some conductive debris between the armature plates. I use an Exacto blade to lightly run between the armature plates to clean out the conductive slime between them. I use the alcohol and Q-tips to clean the armature also. Examine the motor brushes, and make sure that they aren’t too worn down, they may need to be replaced.
Old Marklin engines run on 16volts AC not 12 volt DC successfully this may be your problem.