Spectrum HO 2-8-0 Motor Hum

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’ve got a pair of Spectrum HO scale 2-8-0’s which, after a fair amount of running at mostly low speeds, have developed a loud and annoying motor hum. Has anyone else encountered this? If so, how did you correct it? Is it time to disassemble the locomotive and relubricate the motor bearings? Thanks for the advice.
Tom Watkins

2

Scott,
Mine also have soundtraxx decoders installed, and I’ve got the Aerolube products. I agree, it"s time for some maintenance.

Thanks,

Tom Watkins

3

I, too, have a Spectrum 2-8-0 which has developed a motor hum. Mine has gotten more pronounced after the installation of the Soundtraxx sound card for this locomotive. I’ve fiddled around with the PWM setting with no real improvement. I believe it is time to disassemble the beast and lubricate according to the instructions. Aerolube makes a product appropriate for motor brushes and motor bearings. I’ll try that, too.

4

Over the weekend, I lubed the gear train and it was dry. Doing so has eliminated most of the objectionable noise. I too have some Aerolube but I was not able to disassemble enough of the boiler shell to get at the motor to lube the motor bearings. I think I’ll leave almost-well-enough alone.