Even more simple fixes for HO engines

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Bowser Challengers and Big Boys (newer versions with angled Pittman motors)
PROBLEM: Athearn style drive coupling going from the motor to the middle drive shaft are extremely noisy
SOLUTION: Replace the Athearn style coupling with flexible drive tubing

AHM/Rivarossi 0-6-0 (with tender)
PROBLEM: Runs tightly and draws alot of current
SOLUTION: Loosen the leaf spring contacts on the drive wheels enough that they still touch, but don’t press real hard. Adjust the motor’s position until you can look at the drive from the side and see that the plastic drive shaft is going perfectly straight from the motor to the worm shaft. Make sure all the worm and axle bearings are positioned perfectly to let the drive wheels and worm turn freely. All this decreased the current draw in my 0-6-0 about 30-40%. It sounds like alot of work, but it really isn’t.

All Athearn diesels with metal sideframes:
When oiling the axle bearings in the sideframes, use a conductive lubricant. I used a non-conductive lubricant in a couple of mine and now I need to clean it out because it made them run rather poorly.

If anyone else here has any good ideas than please post them here.[:D][:D][:D]

2

Well, good for you, Darth!! A post that useful should earn you lots of credit. Well done. [tup]

3

Give this man 4 stars! Heck, you can have one of mine!

4

Thanks for the compliments, guys. It brings tears of joy to my heart.[:)] Well, maybe not tears, but definately joy.[:D]

5

darth i was wondering is the light mikado worth buiding? does it have any problems i’m asking 'cause it sounds like u’re the one to talk to about bowser steam models.

6

Thanks! Now, what’s a god conductive lubricant?
Darth- Do you know if Bowser sells rivets for MIkado running gear seperately? I don’t see it on their site.
Thanks

7

I haven’t built their Light Mikado before, but by the looks of it, I’d say it’s worth building. Bowser doesn’t list it as being modeled after a specific prototype, but it still looks like it’s got more detail than the Athearn Genesis Mikados. The only reason it would have problems is if you built it wrong. Otherwise, it should run very smoothly and quietly, and it will be a very strong puller. Just remember to take your time with it. I’ve been working on my Challenger for 5 months and it’s turning out very well, all because I took my time to do it right.[:D][:D][:D]

I don’t see it listed on their sight seperately, either. If you want to call and see if it’s available seperately, than the part number for their basic rivets is 67010.[:)]