Hi all,
Even though the locomotive is a Hornby/Lima Australian loco, would anyone know why it might not run on a lowish speed? It is on DC by the way. Also, I am in Australia, and was wondering what the cheap websites for trains that can post internationally are, as I predominately model American in HO.
HappyWarrior
As far as the loco not running on slower speeds…when was the last time you serviced it- cleaned out the “gunk” of lubricant and replaced it with clean safe for plastics lube like LaBelle?
What scale is it? How old is it? how has it been stored? How often does it get used? was i new and not “run in” yet?
I am not sure i grasp what you mean by “cheap websites for trains”…
Are you looking for websites with “cheap” American locos and stuff for sale?
Are you looking for OTHER Model trains forums like this one that don’t charge to be a member?
Possibly More information might be helpful for us to help you.
[8-|]
Other than the cleaning issue noted above, bad low speed operation usually means a very old engine with very old gearing and a very old motor, especially if it is a steamer. Way back when hector was a pup, smooth and mellow low speed operation was just something you didn’t expect from your model trains.
Older modern diesels starting in the late 80’s, usually had great lower end performance. Steam didn’t start rivaling the best diesels until nearly 2000. Yes, there is still some lower priced garbage out there, but for the most part, model rails avoid that stuff.
Richard
Hi Galaxy,
It was serviced quite recently, oiled recently, in HO/OO it is 30 years old, gets used twice a week, and has been well run in.
Cheap trains were referring to websites with good prices on brands of HO trains such as Athearn.
Hi Happy Warrior,
Lima was a cheap brand and often didn’t run well at slow speeds. What sort of controller are you using? A good feedback controller might improve it a bit, but do a service on it first. See how the motor runs by itself and have a feel of the loading the gears put on it…
I also am in OZ and have found M.B.Klein very good for O/S orders and their prices are usually good. Their ad pops up on the right of this panel. They are called Model Train Stuff. With the AU$ buying about US$1.04 and no GST there is quite a saving to be made. Try to save up and buy a few things at once as the postage is not cheap for one item, but spread over a few it works out alright.
cheers
An other must check item are the gears in the trucks that go from the worm down to the axles. These can get hair and lint wrapped around them and stuck in the gear teeth.
Hi Alan,
How much is there shipping to AUS usually?
Then I would suggest you check out the following { disclaimer -though I don’t know about shipping to Oz…either in terms of doing it or costs - call or check the website to see if they ship internationally to OZ}
Here are 3 of my favorites:
M.B. Kline Also Known As model train stuff:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Default.asp
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=HO&SPECIAL=0 {here shipping isn’t carved in stone… they add on shipping when shipped based on package size and weight after you have ordered…BUT great prices and even when shipping is added, STILL a value bargain shopping site- I live close enough to go to the brick-and-mortar store {where if I go I tend to SPEND more!}.
http://trainworld.com/ is another good place…they advertise a whole page or two in MR magazine!
If you are into Brass trains:
http://www.brasstrains.com/Classic/Trains/Scales/HO-Scale
GOOD LUCK!
[8-|]
I paid US$38 for postage of 18 tortoise switch machines and a few little bits as well. Delivery was in less than a fortnight. I have bought Atlas locos previously for about the same freight charge. Had to get 2 to make it worthwhile. The come very well packed too.
cheers
Alan
Locomotives on DC tend to jump start if you don’t have a good quality power pack with pulse power. Without a good quality power pack you won’t get good low speed starting and running.