I have a Proto 2000 S-1 switcher that runs reasonably well,but seems to be extremely sensitive to dirt on the wheels. The wheels seem to get dirty even if I clean them but don’t run it. If I let it sit for a couple of days, it hardly runs at all. Cleaning the wheels solves the problem but not for long. It also is quite sensitve to special work, crossings, switches, etc. It almost seems that the wheels tend to corrode or oxidize very rapidly. All of my other equipment operates well (including other Proto 2000 locomotives) over the same track where the S-1 has much difficulty. Has anyone had similar experience and were you successful in fixing it?
It sounds to me that it’s more a case of dirty track than dirty wheels. If you clean the wheels, but not the track, the problem WILL return in short order. There have been numerous forums about using metal polish (Maas, Mothers, etc.) that seem to work really well at 1) cleaning the track and 2) leaving it less prone to getting dirty very quickly.
All track cleaning ideas are pretty much useless if your layout is in a very dusty environment.
My P2K S-1 does not have any problems with dirt collection on wheels. My Bowser PCC car, which has brass wheels, does collect dirt, though. I’d agree with Marlon, though. The only place the dirt is going to come from is the track.
RV,
Besides cleaning your track, one of the best things you can do for layout is switch out any plastic wheels you have on your cars for metal ones. I don’t know how much you have invested in rolling stock, but the metal wheels will not only keep your track cleaner, your cars will also roll better.
Plastic wheels are notorious for degrading and dirtying up your track fairly quickly. RV, I’ve had my layout over a year and a half now and have only had to do “spot” cleaning on my track and locomotive wheels.
I also have the Proto 2000 S1. And the only problem I’ve had with it is an occasional hesitation at a crossover. Spot cleaning the crossover with a paper towel and alcohol, as well as cleaning the wheels, usually takes care of that problem.
Tom
Both of my P2K S1’s needed to have the clerances opened up so the trucks would rock a bit. Take off the worm housing and file a little bit off the bottom of the housing (where the two round fingers are) and then the locomotive will be able to rock from side to side a bit. Really helped mine. I hope I am making this clear. Good luck with it.
Check for loose wires, too. Those little black plastic clips over then ends of the wire aren’t the greatest things in the world. It could be that one of your truck power leads is not making good contact and you are only picking up power from one truck. You can check by carefully lifting one truck off the rails while allowing the other to remain on the track, see if it moves. Then do the same with the opposite side. It should get power regardless of which truck is lifted off the track, if it doesn’t the wires from the truck still on the track are loose somewhere.
–Randy