Hi all,
I recently installed DCC in an Atlas Classic GP7 (in N scale), using the Aztec Manufacturing frames for this model. The mechanism is from the 2004 production run, with one of their new pre-painted shells on top of it, and it makes a loud growling noise when I run it. I’ve uploaded a video of it to youtube, at the below link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTZikXebzqU
The gears have been oiled, and the worm gears have been greased. The mechanism doesn’t seem to be rubbing against the frame either - the flywheels turn freely, and it runs smoothly on speed step 1 (it’s running at speed step 24 on a 28-step setting in the video). I’ve also aligned the bearing blocks, as outlined in this post. I’m thinking that the motor itself may need some lubrication. Would this be the case, or is there something else I could look at?
Thanks in advance,
tbdanny
It sounds mostly like something is rubbing, and since it makes the same sound with the shell off, it’s not the shell. However, just to make sure - what DCC decoder did you install? The sound I hear int he video doesn’t sound much liek what you’d get if the decoder wasn’t a ‘supersonic’ or ‘silent runnign’ type, but it’s not bad to check all possibilities.
–Randy
Randy,
The decoder is a Digitrax DZ125. What I suspect is because the motor was lying in a display case for 5 years unused before I bought it, that the motor itself may need some sort of tuneup/lubrication. Can any one provide any advice regarding this?
Cheers,
tbdanny
[:-^]
I’m no whiz with DCC, but something is wrong with your wiring. The light comes on with the loco going the wrong direction. So re-check your installation.
Just my [2c] worth.
Johnboy out…
Well, that eliminates that possibility, the DZ125 is a supersonic drive decoder. Motor bearings can indeed dry out. You need to be very careful applying oil here, too much will wick in and contaminate the commutator. Put a drop on something and dab in it with a toothpick and apply to the motor bearing. That’s all it should take.
Another thing that can cause noise like that - although this would typically be a case where it makes noise in one direction but not the other - if if there is a missing thrust washer at the end of oen of the worms, which would allow the whole drive line to shift and possibly rub.
–Randy
Motor wires are backwards, or CV29 is an odd number to reverse normal direction of travel. That won’t make it squeal like that.
–Randy
I realised this after I was testing this morning - I’ve since programmed the decoder to have normal direction of travel as reverse, and reversed the light output to match. It looks like I’ll have to dismantle it again and oil the motor bearings.
Thank you all for your help.
tbdanny