Noisy reversing unit fix?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hello all,

I have a Southern Railway 4-6-2 Pacific (18044) engine that runs well, but at low track voltage the mechanical reversing unit hum is LOUD! Is this normal? If not, is there a way to make it quieter?

Thanks for any help provided.

Tim

2

It’s normal, but it’s also possible to make it quieter.

The easiest thing to do is to just bend the pawl out a little bit. This will often quiet it down considerably.

Failing this, you can put a bridge rectifier and capacitor across the reverse unit magnet. This is the ultimate fix that will make your e-units almost silent.

3

I know the bending of the pawl works because I had somebody do it to two of my engines. I’ve been afraid to try it myself
You can barely hear the buzz on these engines.

Mike Sacco

4

Thanks for the info… just one question - what is the pawl?

Tim

5

Tim,
the pawl is the hook shaped piece attached to the solenoid plunger that catches on to the drum inside the eunit.

mike sacco

6

To totally remove the hum you can install an electronic e-unit. Dalle makes a nice unit for $42. I bought mine through DCC Roundhouse (http://www.dccroundhouse.com/Dallee/Dallee.htm) and had a great experience.