I recently acquired a new Stewart C628, but there is a problem with it failing to move on certain areas of straight track. The motor is rotating, the trucks are rotating, but it is just not moving. The track is straight and unballasted. I have tried cleaning the trucks with alcohol thinking that there may be grease or oil on the trucks. But no Change. looking for some advice.
You have confirmed that the wheels are indeed turning; at least, that sounds like what you have done. But the thing still just won’t move on certain sections of track, but does move on others, right?
OK, have you checked to see if there is a clearance problem? For instance, if there is some very low detailing on the bottom of the loco, and the problem stretches of track are ballasted above the ties, or have mounting nails that stick up above the ties, it might be hanging up. The result would be wheels that turn but a loco that won’t move.
Another thing might be lack of traction. If the loco is trying to climb a grade and the wheels aren’t getting any traction, it isn’t going to move. Most locos have at least a couple of drive wheels that can accept a thin rubber-band “tire.” See if this loco can (and if those tires are, by chance, missing), and if so, equip it with some tires and see if you can get it to move in the trouble spots.
Well NA,
First off, do you mean the loco won’t move while attached to a train? Does it move alone?
More in depth look-see… First check for Split Gear Syndrome. I know it’s usually a proto 2000 thing, but I just fixed this exact problem on an Athearn Blue Box.
Check all gears on each axel and all in both gear towers. Look for cracked or out of round gears, or gears with missing teeth. This will almost definetly be the problem. BUT if it isn’t make sure the axel gears are snug to the axels and that there isn’t any grease or oil on the surfaces of the wheels. Just one last thing… check to see that the flywheels are snug on each end of the motor and that both trucks are being spun. If after that… write back.
oh yea EDIT: make sure the wheels are in gauge. If you dont have a gauge you can compare the space to another loco’s wheelsets. If the wheels are too wide you will come to a stop when you hit straight track.
I would like to think he’s sorted it out after seven years.[:-^]
huh, I didn’t look at that… wonder why it came to the top of the list?