Athearn F7 issues

[nwdrummer379]

Back in 2005 I received the unit as a gift and the thing ran flawless. Now, about 5 years later I can barely get it to move when the dial on my controller is set to "50" anything above that it moves but only at a slow crawl. Now there is some rust on the (contact strips?) for the headlight and such from storage. I kinda want to keep this loco around since it was my first HO one. Does anyone know what the problem might be? P.S. I'm not too sure what type of motor is in it so I can post pics if you would like.

 

[thaddeusthudpucker]

I'd try taking apart the drivetrain and cleaning out any gunk, the grease probably dried out from being in storage.

Is the locomotive DC or DCC? I would also take a brightboy to the wheels while you have it apart, and attack any places that the contact strips rub together. Don't worry about rust on broad flat surfaces where nothing touches, this happens and is normal for steel.

Remember to use a plastic-safe lubricant, I'd go with a Labelle Lube of some kind available from your LHS.

 

[nwdrummer379]

Its a DC unit. Thanks

 

[malletman]

Athearns comonly use a metal strip to make contact from the trucks to the top of the motor, even in many of the current Ready To Run models. Your best option is to remove this and solder wires from the top of the motors, to the tabs on top of each truck. Clean and oil all the bearings and it should run again. The new Athearns that are made in China now, tend to lack the better lubrication of the older USA built Athearn engines. Mike

 

[UP2CSX]

I'll bet it's dirty wheels. The sintered iron wheels on the old F units picked up a lot of crud and will form a non-conductive coating of oxidation when they sit around. Kadee sells a neat locomotive cleaning brush made with brass bristles. You hook it up to the track and use the brash brush to make contact and spin the wheels. with a good clean up and a little lube, it should run fine. I'd second the idea of soldering the power pickup wires if you have the skill.

 

[thaddeusthudpucker]

on one of my units I used electrical spade tongue disconnects that would slip onto the metal loops that came up and over from the trucks. That way its easy to remove the trucks later on for whatever reason. I then soldered wires from one of those, to the top of the motor, and back to the other truck (cnnector). Something like this:

I also removed the plastic and bent the end of it straight up to clear the inside of the shell.

 

[nwdrummer379]

Curiosity killed the F Unit. I was taking the worm gears out to clean the drive train and I also took the headlight strip off as well. By mistake I took the brass strip that connects the top of the motor to the trucks and now its missing. I looked all over for the darn thing and couldn't find it. It looks like I'll be ordering some parts from Athearn...