I just bought a 1975 mint in the box Lionel service station set. It consisted of a Milwaukee Road F3 AA diesel, a Pacemaker box car, a Libby’s vat car, a Detroit and Mackinac covered hopper, an Alaska RR boxcar and a Milwukee Caboose. I ran the egine a little. It runs OK but I did notice that it wobbles back and forth a little when it runs. Any words of wisdom?
George
A little wobble is normal. These engines are not swiss watches. If the wobble seems excessive, look for a damaged or bent wheel or axle.
Good Luck…
Earl
While some of the older postwar steamers had issues with wobble that was due to the center drivers being larger than the others, (I believe it was an attempt to increase power of Magnatraction), that would not be the case with your set. Other problems that could cause it would be a bent axle, improper spacing of the wheel sets, and I am sure the folks here know of others. Have you tried to put the engine upside down on a soft towel, or holding pad and then giving power to the engine so that the drivers move slowly? If so, you may notice one wheel set rotating with a wobble. The other thing you can do is to take a micrometer, or even a good ruler and measuring the distance between wheel flanges. See if they are all the same.
Good Luck,
Dennis
Like Dennis said. also engines from that time period often had the wheels pressed on off center. That could be your problem or old rubber tires will cause a wobble if not seated right.
I echo Sir James.The traction tires may have to be replaced.
It’s a combination of things.
The F-3 has only one motor and is very lightweight, the wheels are cast instead of sintered iron causing there to be casting lines along the tread surfaces, and the rubber traction tires multiply this effect.
You can try to true the wheels some, very carefully and install new traction tires. This should help some.
Rob
Just remember weebles will wobble but won’t fall down [:D]
sorry couldn’t help myself
A poster on the OGRR board pointed out that some MPC diesel wheels of this period have ridges at the mold parting seam. You could inspect your wheels, and file away any parting seam you loco might have.
If it were my loco, I’d just use it they way it is.
The most acute problem with MPC era wheel wobble are with 2 of the earliest larger steam engines that the folks in Michigan turned out, the 8206, and 8603. As for the F-3 diesels I would first check the wheels for loose, or cracked traction tires, and either remove them COMPLETELY, or replace them, and rubber cement them in place. The MPC era F-3’s are some of that eras best engines. Ken Moderator: K-Line and LionelMPC Yahoo Groups
Thanks to all for the replies. It has settled down quite a bit. I will probably just use it the way it is.
George
George, some great tips were made. Just a few added thoughts. Since this is a single motor, with traction tires, many have had great success with changing the traction tires and also adding weight to the engine. This has given a good deal more tractive effort and ability to pull a lot more cars. Good luck,
Dennis
Since new my Lionel DM&IR 8158 has had a wobble in one axle. Try Jeff at www.ttender.com for replacement parts.
I agree with checking the traction tires.
I bought a Virginian electric that was in new condition, never ran and wobbled like crazy when I put it on the track.
I checked the traction tires and they were dry rotted.[:O]
But with new traction tires, it ran straight and true like a champ.[8D]
Another one that suggests checking the traction tires. I had a MPC NYC Service Station set that had the early “Mighty Sound of Steam”. Dang thing wobbled from the day I took it out of the box. Finally replaced the traction tires and it smoothed out much better. But there was still a slight wobble to it.
It did have some nice cars in the set, though. [:)]
Dep