Hi, My Athearn genesis F7A and B unit hums when powered. Need some advice how can one make it silent. Tip on this will be greatly appreciated.regards Subroto
If these are DC locomotives on a DCC track they will hum.
they are dc and on dc track
Is it an electrical hum or a mechanical hum ? A lot of new engines will make some noise until the brushes become properly seated on the armature.
Mark.
Hi.
Athearn Genesis F7 (and probably other F’s too) locomotives are powered by Roco motor, which is know to cause a distinct, “chirring” sound sometimes.
I think it is practically impossible to “remove” it, at least completely. In German forums I have read that some modellers have replaced brushes with brushes from other manufacturer, because they are the cause for that. It can happen, that with time, they will adjust to collector, but in general, the material for these brushes is the cause for that sound. It can come and go, and come back.
One, very good way out of this is, to install sound.
Of course, a cause also can be that gears are dry, but I doubt that, especially if this is a new locomotive out of the box. You can check, and if this is the case, lubricate the whole gearbox carefully.
Regards,
Hrvoje
Hello all,
Several things come to mind…
As has been mentioned, you might try lubricating the gears.
Even “new” locomotives can be affected by coagulated grease.
Most model train manufacturers are overseas. The time spent on a slow boat, in a hot shipping container, can cause the grease to harden.
Cleaning and re-lubricating the drivetrain components might help: worm gears and drive gears on the wheels.
The operative word is “cleaning” which requires disassembly, cleaning; in a solution of Dawn® detergent, thoroughly rinsing all components in warm water, and reassembly.
When reassembling I like to use a white lithium grease, sparingly, on the components.
Looking at the motor you posted, it appears to be a dog-bone to female coupler to worm gear housing assembly.
On one of my Bachmann locos; with the same motor/dog-bone/worm gear drive arrangement, the female connector on the worm gear cracked and and caused an awful rackett! This sound was amplified by the shell.
I replaced the female connector, at the worm gear, and the noise was gone.
Depending on how old the locomotive is it might be under warranty. I suggest contacting Athearn- -great folks in my home town of Long Beach, California, and see what their thoughts are.
Hope this helps.