I have an American Flyer post-war steam engine with the original motor and brushes.
I notice that if I leave it turned off for a few days that upon starting it up, it takes a lap or two around the track to really get up to speed.
Is this normal? Anything to be concerned about? Am I just imagining this?
Rich
I have noticed the same thing with both a 490 NP diesel and a 21927 SF diesel. I have cleaned and lubed the motors, but have never replaced the brushes. The fact that a cleaning and lube doesn’t cure the problem leads me to believe that the brushes are the source. I’ve never had this issue with any steamers though.
Rich,
I have ammeters that measure the current and when a loco is first started the amps will be higher than after running a few minutes. Then after a while of running the amps will start to increase, at which time I will let her rest or change out the engine if running like at a train show. I think as much as anything it is the viscosity of the gear lube till it warms up
I agree. My Lionel steam locomotives are the same way.
Very interesting. Is that all you can do is wait till the gear lube warms up?
Any way to accelerate the process?
Use a different gear lube?
Rich
My AF K5 is the same way…takes about 10 seconds to hit full speed.
Seems like my old toy trains do the same.
You could use a static stand to run the loco to warm up prior to putting it on the track
Jim
Tim,
I would if I could but there is no room. I got the wife, the cat, my beloved golf clubs, a cooler for beer in case I wake up at night, some tostidos and salsa, and a photo of myself !!!
Rich