I have a Lionel Vibration Rotary Aircraft Beacon that stops spinning after it has been running for a bit. Is this normal? I suspect that I may be running the voltage high enough that the heat being produced is softening the rubber fingers and allowing them to “collapse” thus preventing the unit from spinning.
Is this a common problem? And if so will reducing the voltage alleviate it? I was watching a similar (VERY SIMILAR!!!) unit yesterday made by MTH which costs about 50 bucks. It seemed to run forever! Should I just spend the $$$?
Ken…This is a common problem. My suggestions are first clean the rubber then lightly sprinkle graphite lubricant on the rubber and run at max 14volts. Also you might need a new beacon. Beacons can be found for sale at almost any train show.
Is there a secret trick to doing this? I tried this once before on a previous unit and did not have much luck. It was allmost impossible for me to properly center the finger washer. (This was after fighting to get the darn double sided tape properly attached!) Since it did not help I figured it was due to poor positioning. I was so frustrated that rather than attempt it again, I just bought another tower and beacon off ebay since I was on my “must be original” kick![banghead]
One suggestion to help with this all too common problem is to only mount it using one screw between the base and the table. The extra vibration from the table can help keeping the beacon from sticking. I think this came from the “Tips and Tricks” book, but it has been so long, can’t remember. Certainly want to give credit.