I have a Life Like N Scale SW9 with a peculiar issue. The motor runs nice and smoothly. The wheels pick up power without issue. However the engine will make a lot of noise and barely move when on the rails. The problem seems to be the worms not meshing with the gears on the trucks. Has anybody had an issue like this before?
GP-9,
I understand. My SW9 is my loudest engine but runs at normal speeds including creeping. I haven’t had the time to take it apart. Kind of working up the courage as railings are supposed to be removed first. I just got new glasses so the time is near. Mine is just a constant loud forwards or back, no clicks like a cracked gear. At least you are not alone.
Good Luck,
Bob
I have an old N Scale Proto SD7 that did the same thing back in the 80’s. Problem turned out to be one of the worms was stripped and was also stripping the drive gear. I replaced both the worm and the gear and all was fine. Last time I checked it about a year ago it still runs nice and quiet. Looks like crap though considering it’s been bounced around quite a bit over the last twenty some-odd years.