i posted this in the classics section and have been told to repost here:
im new to this forum but am looking for help in sorting out the problems of my train set. I re-discovered it after a year of not using and now its not workign at 100%.
Its the Hornby Flying Scotsman 00 gauge starter pack and also extra additions (extra track and a second transformer o operate 2 circuits). Anyway, i put it together correctly and when i run the trian it does not go as fast as it used to and in some sections it stops and needs a push to restart. I looked at the actual engine and noticed that the 2 metal strips that used to be on the coupling between the engine and coal truck have fallen of. My question is, is how do i get it fully operational again?
Does this loco have the drive in the tender? I think it might, and if I recall correctly, the power is picked up from one track via wheels on one side of the tender, and from the other track via wheels on the loco. If that is the case, the electrical contact between the tender and the loco are essential. These contacts will need to be replaced for sure.
Also, you very likely will need to clean the track and the wheels. Since you are very likely using sectional track, make sure that the connectors between the track are good and tight. Any problem with electrical continuity across the track joiner will result in the type of stalling you are describing.
So here is what I would do:
Clean the track
Check all track joiners for tight fit, replace or adjust as necessary. May even need to clean the track where the joiners connect to ensure good contact.
Clean the wheels used for electrical pickup.
Replace the tender electrical contacts.
One final thing, if it has been a long time since it was run, I would also remove the cover to look at the motor and see if it needs cleaning. You would be amazed at the fluff and stuff that can get in there. A light lubrication may also be in order.
First, give the track a good cleaning. An alcohol dampened cloth will do for this. Scrub the tops of the rails down. When you think they’re clean, clean them again. Second, clean the loco wheels and the pickup shoes that ride against the inner edge of the wheels. A rubber eraser can work well for cleaning the wheel treads.
First off: [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]
Yea, sounds like a few of your rail joiners are shot. And, since they are the crux of carrying the current to your locomotives via the track, that’s probably the reason why your locomotives are sputtering in certain areas of your layout.
You should definitely pick up some more rail joiners but I don’t know exactly where you’d find some of OO gauge. Someone is bound to chime in. The other thing you might also do, Skouser, is clean your tracks and your locomotive wheels - just to be sure.
first of all, where do i get the tender electrical contacts from and how do i fit them? if i can get them off the internet can someone give me a direction please :).
i will clean the track and wheels, but you also say to make sure all the pieces are perfectly sloted together, howevert the track is already pin nailed to a board and the pieces often have a few mm gap between them. Is there anyway to overcome it or is it okay to leave it? - the power does go all the way round.
If so, last time I was there I noticed that there are several companies that specialize in Hornby spare parts advertising in the Model Railways Magazine. It is ages since I ordered any parts for any of my old Hornby stuff so I don’t have a link right off hand. The parts you need are almost certainly readily available I would imagine.
