I bought a set of 4 Heavyweight Spectrum cars a couple of years ago. I decided today to run them for really the first time. First they came with really crappy couplers. Kadee’s made a big difference. But next came a loud squeaking sound from them. I guess I will need to work them some more. They are absolutely beautiful cars but a little stangeansd LOUD!
RMax
If they’re the same as the Spectrum Heavyweight pasenger car set I have, the wheels are metal because of the need to pick up electrical current for the interior lights. Try putting a small amount of powdered graphite on the tips of the axles to quieten them down and stop the squeaking. Some of the squeaking may be coming from the interior lighting electrical contacts that rub on the axles, so give them a shot of graphite, too.
Instead of having to go out and purchase a tube of graphite, if you don’t already have some, you can use the tip of a #2 pencil, since pencil lead is basically just graphite.
Ah I’ll try that. They are metal and lighted.
Thanks
RMax
I have a Bachmann Spectrum F-40 that whines. The company must enjoy torturing us model railroaders.
Another thing to look at is the truck sideframes. On some of my heavyweights there was metal fla***hat would touch the wheels on occasion, often causing momentary short circuits as well. Once I cleaned them up the problem went away. I remember using a motor tool to grind a bit near some of the brake shoes too.
Make sure the bearings are all clear, then hit it with the teflon powder.
Guys, Be careful.
You can use graphite, however, even a small amount can be spread over the rails as the car rolls.
An alternative product that helps with both, lubrication and electrical conductivity, is Molybdenum (also known as “Moly” by tech people. It’s actually a mixture of a lubricant and crushed graphite. Just a tiny dab in the truck journals will quiet that noise down while still providing good, electrical contact.
10-4!