Rebuild Question: Noise From Lionel 685 "Baby Hudson" with Magnetraction

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Folks:

I bought a “very used / basketcase” Lionel 685 “Baby Hudson” last year thinking that it would make a nice sized engine to pull a consist of NYC “Baby” Madision passenger cars. I stripped the casting and repainted it, replaced the boiler front, front truck, rear truck, and the smoke unit. I cleaned up the motor, put new brushes in, and relubricated everything.

The engine looks great, runs well and smokes like a champ, but seems to be very loud - I’m thinking mostly gear noise - certainly louder than a 681 (of course, that’s a different motor) but also louder than the my 2020 and 675 engines with basically the same side mounted type 2035 motor. I’ve rotated the wheels by hand and the gears seem to be meshing smoothly and not wobbling.

What’s the opinion here: is the 685/2055 just a noisy engine or should I take a another look at the gear assembly?

Thanks for any suggestions, thoughts!

Mike

2

Hello Mike! Believe it or not. The noise you hear from your 685 is Normal as Lionel did not use a Bronze Bushing on the Bearing Plate (on the same side as the Gears) which results in more noise than what a 675 or 2025 from the late 40’s would have made as they used Bronze Bushing’s then. All you can do is keep the Gear’s well lubed & all other moving part’s oiled also. As long as you have done this & the engine runs well otherwise. then, There is nothing to worry about. Take Care.

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Appreciate the information. I have a tender that whistles the same way. I thought it was a problem. now I know it is normal.

Mitch

4

Bob- Your Whistle Tender may have a Worn out Bushing on the Armature Shaft which may need to be replaced if it makes noise after it has been oiled. That is not normal so to speak. Take Care.

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I will try oiling it and see if that helps. Thank Keith.