Athearn wheel conductivity

[ClintOHenry]

It seems my older Athearn loco does not pick up as well as others. Is there a solution to this problem?

 

[trailrider]

One problem might be good conductivity between the truck pickup towers and the strip of metal that contacts them and connects to the top of the motor. If this engine has been around long enough the contact points may have become oxidized, limiting conductivity. The best solution is to shorten that top metal strip so it doesn't contact the metal on the towers. Then solder a thin, flexible piece of insulated wire to each tower and to each end of the strip closest to the tower. Of course, the other thing is to check and clean the wheels and contact areas on each truck. If those things don't do it, you may need to remove the motor and clean the contact on the bottom of the motor.

 

[bnsf971]

Depending on wheels, you may want to replace the old sintered iron wheels with the blackened nickel wheels. They will pick up power better, but may not grip the rails as well.

 

[trailrider]

Also, if the motor is one of the original open-frame type, you may need to clean the commutator and you might need to replace the brushes. I'd try cleaning the commutator first though. You could also re-motor with a can motor, but that might not match speeds with your other Athearn diesels.

 

[NH Mike]

Remove the trucks from the loco frame and clean the metal strip on the truck as well as the bolster and pin on the frame that the truck contacts. Athearn truck contact strips are plain old steel and will rust over time. The frames also oxidize and makes for poor conductuvity. I clean all those contact areas with 600 grit emory cloth until they shine. I also apply Aero Car ACT 6006 track and rail cleaner to all those contacts points in the same manner as I use it on trackwork. It helps prevent rusting and oxidation but still conducts electricity.

And yes the Athearn sintered metal wheels are real good at collecting crud. North West Short Line has machined direct replacement wheels and they're easy to swap out. All you need besides some time is an NMRA wheel gauge.

 

[hamer1553]

Remove the trucks from the loco frame and clean the metal strip on the truck as well as the bolster and pin on the frame that the truck contacts. Athearn truck contact strips are plain old steel and will rust over time. The frames also oxidize and makes for poor conductuvity. I clean all those contact areas with 600 grit emory cloth until they shine. I also apply Aero Car ACT 6006 track and rail cleaner to all those contacts points in the same manner as I use it on trackwork. It helps prevent rusting and oxidation but still conducts electricity.

And yes the Athearn sintered metal wheels are real good at collecting crud. North West Short Line has machined direct replacement wheels and they're easy to swap out. All you need besides some time is an NMRA wheel gauge.

Solder contacts from trucks, clean frame contact to trucks and ground contact to motor, clean the commutator, clean the brass wheel bushings inside and out, replace steel wheels with NWSL wheels. Seems like a lot but it does not take more than an hour. I have done this to dozens of Athearn Blue Box units. It makes a major difference.

Also my blue box units like a little added weight if the shell has the room.

 

[WC3026]

I have done almost everything to my blue box locos besides new wheel sets. every time I do the wires and clean everything up I notice a difference. Just wish I could find somewhere around me that had the NWSL wheels but everyone seems to be out and dont know when they will get any in........

 

[hamer1553]

I have done almost everything to my blue box locos besides new wheel sets. every time I do the wires and clean everything up I notice a difference. Just wish I could find somewhere around me that had the NWSL wheels but everyone seems to be out and dont know when they will get any in........

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190686067374?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

THIS PLACE HAS THE NWSL WHEELS MOST OF THE TIME. The price is a little high but its free shipping.