I just purchased a new #397 Operating Coal Loader and the conveyer belt continually hesitates. The belt will turn for a few seconds, stop, and then rotate again. I do not see any coal particles that possibly could be stuck. The instructions suggest dusting the inside surface of the belt with talcum powder or cornstarch occasionally to prevent sticking. I have not tried this yet. Any suggestions[?][?]
Thanks, Sam
I have used the cornstarch and although it’s been a while I don’t remember a big difference. If it’s the original belt I would consider replacing it as the repros work very well. I have two loaders and the one with the original belt works perfectly but I"m sure it’s on borrowed time.
It you remove the belt and run the motor and everthing runs smoothly than you know it’s the belt.
I replaced the belt on Dad’s loader a few years ago. It runs the same as yours.
Dave
Sorry, didn’t see in your original post that you were talking about a “new” 397. If you’re having problems with a reissue, best bet is to take it to a service center.
Mike S.
Check the threads on this site.(search) as this topic was discussed and some posted fixes for this.
Dennis
I’m having the exact same problem with my new 397 coal loader. I am not sure what to do about it. A few people were kind enough to offer ideas, but none was really the magic solution I needed. The insturctions do say to lightly dust with powder or cornstarch, so I tried that. One person advised me to use light dish soap in water to wash off the powder. Well, the instructions say to use powder, so I doubt that a light dusting was the problem…
I did get the Kalmbach book on repairing Lionel accesories, and it was not really helpful at all. Seems to me that the belt is too loose, but then the thing is brand new, so why would they install a belt that is too loose, and would a new belt be just as loose?
I had never seen one of these in operation until I hooked mine up. I do not really like it because of the chop-chop-chop noise that it makes when the little tray lifts up every so often to move the coal to the back of the device. That’s kind of annoying. The thing looks cool, but I can see now that actually operating it is going to be a pain in the butt. I am not sure if I want a new one, to hopefully get away from the belt slipping, or if I will just use other accessories for loading coal. I like the clamshell bucket accessories better than the 97, 397, and 497 loaders. I think my 497 loader works relatively well, buyt it does spray coal all over the place. Probably, that’s actually fairly prototypical… The 97 is OK but the chain sticks a bit and the “clutch” mechanism is too sensitive, so it makes a stalling motion fairly regularly. The best one is the AF Seaboard coaler. It lifts the coal up with a clamshell bucket, and puts it into the tower. At the push of another button, the coal comes down the spout to the waiting car or coal pile on the other side of the device. The gantry cranes with clamshell buckets are also pretty cool.
YOur best bet would be to get a postwar 397, made in America and built to last. My two run very nicely. They do bump and make a lot of noise but that’s their charm.
ONe of the great accessories.
Mike S.
This 397 was purchased new in November and just put in place on the layout this weekend. I did send Lionel a e-mail, however, it is probably to soon to expect a reply. Worst case, I will send it back to them and let them fool with it or hopefully replace it. I had one over fifty years ago and never had a problem. Wish I had it now.
Sam