Hadn’t run the 736 in quite some time…cleaned the roller pickups, cleaned the wheels, the drivetrain seemed ok for lube. I remember it always taking a lot of power…Now, in this layout it seems to take WAY more power than my 646, to pull fewer cars; takes more power than a 2343 F3 with twin motors, to pull fewer cars.
Is my 736 typical, or is something wrong with it??
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Yes. Mine does take a lot to get it going. Mine smokes real well. I figured it was the weight, gearing, magnatraction and the heat element in the smoke unit. Will put a long string of cars once going. I just keep them lubed real good. Seems to start off better with TPC being controled by Legacy.
Hello runtime!
You did not mention if you checked/cleaned the Brushes/Commutator(Round Copper Disc on the end of Armature Shaft) These Components need to be kept cleaned as that will reduce power consumption & increase Motor rpms too. Also, the Motor will not run as hot when it is cleaned & lubed in all the right places. These Motors were actually over-engineered so that they kept on running year after year as Lionel knew that not everyone payed attention to the instructions & acted accordingly. I cleaned up & lubed a 736 for one of my Brother’s friends about 9 or 10 years ago & it ran so much better afterwards & he was able to pull plenty of rolling stock. If you have the original Postwar Rolling Stock for your 736…Keep the axles oiled as that will also reduce drag & that in itself will help your 736 pull well. If you have Modern Cars with Fast-Angle Wheels, then you have nothing to worry about. Hope this helps. Take Care.
Thanks.
Chief, sounds like your 736 has similar characteristics to mine.
Torpedo, I’ve never pulled brushes on any motor, I’ll have to reference some instructions - I think thery are available on Lionel’s web site? Access to the brushes seems easy enough on this engine, as they look like they protrude form the rear of the cab. All other access (such as to lube gears) seems to require removal of the body - unlike any other steamer I have, such as 646, 2056 where the gears are visible.
This motor seems much more sensitive to power dorp offs along the track. I guess this will force me to add more power taps. Odd that some engines have their speed much more affected by this than others; I guess it affects most the engines which require the most current (not so odd after all?) Guess that’s why I should add metering.
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