Dead Locomotives

[rbwhale]

While I still had visions of getting my Garden railroad to run, I acquired four locomotives, an Aristocraft RS-3, a USA Trains GP-9, an Aristocraft NW-2, and an Aristocraft Lil' Critter. I ran them all for perhaps 12 to 20 hours each before 2 landslides, moles, and a blown rotator cuff convinced me that God was sending me a message.
I put the engines on the shelf in 2012 and, with the exception of the Lil' Critter, which I run around our tree for several days during Christmas every year, none of them has been run an inch.
I finally decided to sell them at a train showbut, to my surprise, None of them run except the Lil' Critter. The lights come on, the smoke works, but aside from a few fits and starts they just don't move. What could be the problem. My wife's sewing machine froze up after a similar period of inactivity so does the lubricants in the motor blocks freeze up of congeal after a long period of non use. And if the is what happened, can the engines be restored by me, or is this a job for an (expensive) specialist?
Any ideas are welcome.
Thanks

 

[tootnkumin]

While I still had visions of getting my Garden railroad to run, I acquired four locomotives, an Aristocraft RS-3, a USA Trains GP-9, an Aristocraft NW-2, and an Aristocraft Lil' Critter. I ran them all for perhaps 12 to 20 hours each before l2 landslides, moles, and a blown rotator cuff convinced me that God was sending me a message.
I put the engines on the shelf in 2012 and, with the exception of the Lil' Critter, which I run around our tree for several days during Christmas every year, none of them has been run an inch.
I finally decided to sell them at a train showbut, to my surprise, None of them run except the Lil' Critter. The lights come on, the smoke works, but aside from a few fits and starts they just don't move. What could be the problem. My wife's sewing machine froze up after a similar period of inactivity so does the lubricants in the motor blocks freeze up of congeal after a long period of non use. And if the is what happened, can the engines be restored by me, or is this a job for an (expensive) specialist?
Any ideas are welcome.
Thanks

A lot can depend on the type of grease used in the gears in the trucks. If it is of the waxy type, yes, they can harden enough to jam the gears from rotating. If disassembly instructions for the models came with them, have a read and see if you're able to have a go at the trucks to clean it out. With the size those models are it might only require removal of the bottom cover. (assuming their construction is like an HO scale) The electric motors should not have become stuck as they are only lubed with light machine oil, they may even have sealed ball bearing races.

 

[Iron Horseman]

I finally decided to sell them at a train showbut, to my surprise, None of them run except the Lil' Critter. The lights come on, the smoke works, but aside from a few fits and starts they just don't move. What could be the problem. My wife's sewing machine froze up after a similar period of inactivity so does the lubricants in the motor blocks freeze up of congeal after a long period of non use. And if that is what happened, can the engines be restored by me, or is this a job for an (expensive) specialist?

Did they get dirt in them during the landslide? Dirty track or wheels?

If not I would think that hardened lubricant is a good guess at the issue. Unfortunately none of my G-gauge locos are Aristocraft brand, so I can't grab one and look at it. My other G locomotives have been fairly easy for me to service myself, but even at that they are all steam locos.

A few fits and starts? If they are all clean on the outside, perhaps you could "rock them" to break them free. Put on power and flip the direction back and forth and back and forth. Never long enough to burn out the motor though. Non-spinning motors can burn out quicker than one would think.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

I would suspect corrosion and oxidation on the electrical trail to the motor. Some Deoxit would clear that up.

 

[rbwhale]

A lot can depend on the type of grease used in the gears in the trucks. If it is of the waxy type, yes, they can harden enough to jam the gears from rotating. If disassembly instructions for the models came with them, have a read and see if you're able to have a go at the trucks to clean it out. With the size those models are it might only require removal of the bottom cover. (assuming their construction is like an HO scale) The electric motors should not have become stuck as they are only lubed with light machine oil, they may even have sealed ball bearing races.

Thanks for the prompt reply. I will assume that if the lubricant is as hard as Tutankhamun's forehead I will have to scoop it out and replace it with something better. Any suggestions?

Did they get dirt in them during the landslide? Dirty track or wheels?

If not I would think that hardened lubricant is a good guess at the issue. Unfortunately none of my G-gauge locos are Aristocraft brand, so I can't grab one and look at it. My other G locomotives have been fairly easy for me to service myself, but even at that they are all steam locos.

A few fits and starts? If they are all clean on the outside, perhaps you could "rock them" to break them free. Put on power and flip the direction back and forth and back and forth. Never long enough to burn out the motor though. Non-spinning motors can burn out quicker than one would think.

Happily the locos were all safe inside when the landslide happened after 4 inches of rain fell on the hillside in 36 hours. I tried rocking back and forth but no help there. I've discovered that there are Youtube videos on taking USA engine blocks apart. I have not found one for my GP9, but I'm hoping they should be similar. The video I saw was for an SD-40, and it was long and detailed, and stressed the need for reassembly with care. If I have burned out the motors with rocking back and forth, I hope new engine blocks are still available.
Thank you for the suggestions. I am grateful that the model train community is always so helpful.
rb whale