I was running my 6520 today and I noticed when it was moving there was a very slight buzzing sound. I looked under the car and saw that there is some kind of roller-like piece and some wires going up inside the generator shell. Anyone know what the purpose of this is and if that sound is normal?
The buzzing noise is normal and is from the device called the vibra motor which enables the searchlight to rotate on the rubber drive washer. The roller like part is used to pick up current from the center rail.
Hope this helps.
Looking at my postwar manual, it looks like there is a slide shoe under the generator. This us used in conjunction with a UCS or 6019 remote control track to turn the searchlight on or off. I’m not familar with this car, but I have a 3620 searchlight car, that, when in operation, rotates the searchlight. The buzz you are hearing my be the mechanism used to rotate the beacon.
thanks for the info guys. My 6520 doesnt rotate like the other searchlight cars. The info you gave me on the shoe makes sense because if you fiddle with it you can turn the light on or off. Thanks again!
There is a rotary sequence switch inside the generator housing to turn the light on & off. The steel shoe under the generator is positioned over the electromagnet on an uncoupling track, pushing “uncouple” sequences the switch.
The buzzing is a strange report, though.
Rob