Trucks on Scale Train locomotives

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B

beiland

Well-Known Member
I acquired a few Scale Train locos over the past few years. I've not run that many of them as I didn't have my layout up and running, so my experiences with them is very limited.

I had this pair of ET44AC models in Operators Edition that I gave to a DCC installer to put sound in the lead unit, and just motor control in the back unit. Was hoping to run them back-to-back pulling trains. When i got them back I was experiencing problems with the lead unit,...it would randomly cut on and off as it ran the track,...all types of good running track.,....it was the loco.

Initially I thought it might have something to do with the decoder installations, but it was so random, I suspected something to do with electrical pick up. By lifting one end ever so lightly I became very suspicious of one truck on one end. It definitely was interrupting the electrical pickup of the engine, but it was not shorting out. I decided to take that truck apart and see what might be occurring with it.

Let me say this right up front, I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH THEIR DESIGN of this truck?,...over complicated ! On top of that it is very confusing getting the bottom plate off of this truck in order to inspect the innards??

Has anyone else had such a problem? I could not find any Youtube videos on such an inspection??

(to be continued)
 
I initially was totally confused about their truck design. Looking at the exploded view didn't help at first. Then I noticed that it was a simple press fit and just needed to have a small screwdriver inserted and twisted about on both the front and back of each truck. I now marvel at how simple it turned out! My experience is only with SD40-2's and may not be the same for other models.
 
I managed to remove those axle covers wit the small screw drivers, BUT it was so tough I thought I might damage them. I was concerned with surfaces to pry against. they certainly don't 'pop off' like many other manufactures. And it certainly doesn't lend itself to lube inspection.

I wonder about reassembly with those multi contact strips in combo with the toughness exhibited in disassembly?

I would suspect that the same design is found in most of their 3 axle trucks?

( my engines did not have the drawings included,...I'd like to see them)
 


I found a dwg as well, but it is a little hard to see details about this electric pick-up strips. I have some new photos and will make a posting later today
 
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