Working on Locomotives

[Royalhaw]

I have been given a few old (?) locomotives from a friend. Most really need work to get them to run properly. Does anyone know of a manual or guide on working on N scale rolling stock? I do not mind working on small items but I know nothing about the internal parts of the trains. I have a "Trix" F7 Santa Fe loco, a Lima F7 and a Bachman F7. I also have three GP 40s, two are "Lima" and one is Atlas. I don't know were to start wokring on these. Help, thanks, Harlan

 

[WCWBrassHat]

Harlan,

Start with the Atlas GP40 and the Trix F7. The others may not be worth the effort.

Clean the wheels using alcohol or goo gone. If there is built up gunk you may have to scrap the gunk off with a knife or small screwdriver.

Next clean the contacts between the trucks and the frame. You may have to remove the engine shell to do this.

Lubricate the motor and bearings with a light weight plastic compatable oil. Some very light grease on the gears. Go easy on the lubrication! Labelle is a good brand and should be available at your local hobby shop.

Then try to run the engine. You may have to use jumper wires to put the power directly to the motor. The engine will probably require a fairly high voltage 9V - 12V to get it to run. Run it in both directions for 10 to 15 minutes each. If it isn't performing better, you may have to clean the commutator if it is an open frame motor. Can motors are better replaced than taken apart.

Hope this helps!
Glenn

 

[Royalhaw]

Thank you I will try your ideas.

 

[Royalhaw]

Great news one and all. I found a very good loco maintenance book. It is printed by Model Railroader, it is "Maintaining & Repairing Your Scale Model Trains". I obtained it from Model Train Stuff. It does a great job on dealing with Diesels, Steam Locos, Rolling stock and your layout. This is a must book for everyone....Harlan