Hi Folks,
A few years ago I bought one of the first BLI NYC Hudsons; I’ve been told that the early runs of this loco had lots of problems. Actually, mine runs quite well except for one annoying problem—it runs as smooth as silk in reverse, but sounds like a garbage disposal that you accidently dropped a fork in when running forward. Well, a bit of an exaggeration but it makes a racket when running forward.
Sounds like a gear mesh problem? Any ideas on how I can adjust/fix it?
Thanks,
Steve
Have you opened the engine? Some lube on the tower gear may help. I have some engines that make that kind of racket going backwards but not forward. I wrote it off to gears not being broken in all the way.
You all so might look at the lash in the worm gear as well. If there is a lot of lash, try adding some Kadee fiber washers to take up the excuses lash.
All so call BLI tech department, they are very help full.
My BLI Hudson and Class 6 are the only two BLI steamers I have not had problems with.
Cuda Ken
For years, I had every problem that you could imagine with my BLI Hudson, but never what you are describing. I bought the update chip to improve performance at slow speeds and sent it into Customer Service where they replaced the pilot truck and front wheels.
I concur that you should contact BLI’s Customer Service and send it in. If it is out of warranty, they will charge you just under $50, but they will fix it to your satisfaction. And, let me assure you, when it starts to run smoothly and properly, nothing could be finer. I love that thing !
Rich
Mine, one of the originals, runs well in forward, but is a bit geary when reversing. It was that way from first power-up. Several of my BLI’s are a bit noisy, not what I would term objectionable. I can certainly hear it when I mute the sound.
Several folks have observed that the new Q2 has a mid-range hum to it when it moves, and I agree. It seems noticeable as soon as it gets underway, but either I mentally discount it after a while or the sound goes away…not sure because I quickly seem to forget it, and haven’t remembered to listen after a few minutes to see if the hum is actually still there.
-Crandell
Steve, I ended up with a number of returned first run Hudsons from the BLI parts sale a while back, and all make gear noise going forward, and breaking them in doesn’t seem to quiet them any. I think they must have redesigned the gearing, because the one I bought from the second run is silent in both directions.
I have worked on a few of the BLI Hudsons and they can be quieted down usually with some lube. I use Labelle # 106 grease.
Sam
Labelle 106 quieted mine a hair, but they’re still quieter in reverse.
Same here. Mine has a quartering problem and limp to add on to that…
Anytime gears especially helical cut gears are operated in the opposite direction form which the cut is intended they will make a different some times louder noise. Square cut gears tend to be louder as they are not as tight a tolerance they also sound different.
Mine too, but it was the rear driven set that was the problem with all of them, and it was very easy to turn the drivers on the axle and get them back in line. They run without a hitch now, and the drivers have stayed in quarter, even when testing them at full slip.
Thanks to all who replied!
I like the idea of having BLI giving the loco a once-over, especially if the can apply some upgrades to make it run smoother. The loco is a beauty and I’d like to get it running as smoothly as some of my newer ones, like my MTH’s.
I emailed the service dept. and we’ll see what happens.
Steve
My self Steve, I would call them.
Ken
You mean. like, actually TALKING to someone??? Maybe I should give it a try…
;>)
Steve
I just called them about a diesel switcher making noise. $30 for diesel, $50 for steam, BUT the current wait time is 7 WEEKS. I’ll wait until the summer heat sets in…
I called them Friday, I was shocked! I was never put on hold! One thing that BLI repair has all wises done for me. If I am willing to do the labor my self, they have sent me the parts for free.
Cuda ken