Older Athearn Engine Screaming

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

After having stored my trains for about 7-8 years I am finally setting up a layout again. I have several Athearn engines that I still want to use, but they are screaming like banshies. I dis-assembled both of them and removed all the old grease/oil and tried to remove any carbonization from the motor poles. I re-lubed the gears as well put them back together. I didn’t use any chemicals or cleaners or abrasives, just towels and an pink eraser for the motor. (It sounds funny, but works!) They still scream like crazy. The motors took some breaking in as they were slow to respond at low power. It took almost half throttle to get them moving. Now it takes about a quarter throttle to get them moving, but lots of noise. Any thoughts? If it matters, they are all about 10-12 years old and a GP-38, a GP-40 and a GP-35. No DCC or anything like that.

Thanks in advance!

2

Matthew:Does this banshie scream with the hood off? If it does then the flywheels are dragging.It should not take that much to get them to move mine takes just little on the power to get them to move.Take one of the engines in hand and s-l-o-w-l-y turn the flywheel it should turn smooth and free.If it doesn’t disconnect the drive shafts,try the flywheel again, if it turns smooth and free then the problem is in the drive train,ok? If it is in the drive train take the drive train apart including the trucks,put back together being sure that all parts fits in place and not to tight.If it is the fly wheel then let me know and I will talk you through the process.