Hi! I have an (O27) Lionel Automatic Milk Car #3472 and a Lionel Automatic Dump Car #3469 that are acting up and wonder what I should check. When they are in position over a relatively new Remote-Control Track with UCS Controller, all the uncoupling works perfectly. Each of the cars, however, do not always respond for their respective functions. Sometimes, it takes several attempts. I’m sure the location of the cars are correct when I pu***he button and I do hear the car motors buzzing. (Could they be just “old” and "tired"like me?) Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Many thanks.
I do not know if this will help but have you oiled the mechanisms?
Jim H
Jim: I will try and see what happens. Thanks.
Jim: Problem SOLVED. Again, many thanks. (It was so simple!)
Have you also tried cleaning the wheels and lubricating the axles on the operating cars? Use a flat tip screwdriver for heavy build-up and a pencil eraeser for light build-up. Also have you cleaned the rails of your track?
If you have a smoking locomotive you will need to clean the track more often.
Lee F.
I am glad it worked. I had the same problem with a mail car and a little oil took care of the problem.
Jim H
Alex,
I would recommend that you get a copy of Greenberg’s repair guide for Lionel trains, 1945-69. It will give great tips on servicing your trains and help with any problems you may have. It even has instructions for operating some of the cars, transformers, and accessories. Not that this group minds answering questions, but you may find that you can even prevent problems before they start. You should service all your equipment as a maintanence routine.
Dennis
Thanks Dennis.
Dennis, Thanks for the info. I just ordered one from Amazon, $15.72 . Joe
im new at this message so let me give it a try. I have a MTH 027 mallet. Was a gift but it has trouble. looks like it runs great then stops an has a hum in tender, I lower power and she takes off normal, then it stops again and again i lower power and it start again. I’ve cleaned track and the rollers under neath it. I’ve lube every thing and changed the tires. Looks great but what a pain. took to a dealer in cleveland and they miss dionosed it. Dont want to go back there. Any ideas?
[#welcome] hobo bill,
A problem with MTH can be more difficult than with Lionel, as MTH has used a back-up battery for almost ten years in their engines. What year and model number engine do you have? Need to know if you have PS-1 or PS-2 sound system before offering any specific advice.
The most common MTH problem is a low or nearly dead battery, MTH batteries are the rechargeable types.
Try to find an MTH only repair shop if you need one.
Lee F.
readings off the box are 2 8 8 2 Y6b 30-1163-0 N&W with loco sound… I dropped it off at Stark Yard Trains just today. They are supose to be the best MTH repair facilities. We’ll find out. Any guesses? Thanks for your time. Hobo Bill