I have a DCC J3a that I ran for the first time last night. I am having operating problems that I believe are due to poor electrical contact between the wheels and side plates on the rear truck of the tender. I have read the cleaning the area with Atlas Conducta Lube, then adding graphite may help the problem. Does this sound correct? Any suggestions?
I would not use the graphite but cleaning will sure help.
Pete
The Aero Conducta Lube is only used for motor brushes (one drop per brush). I don’t know if it is the same as the Atlas product, although I suspect it is and thus I’m not sure using yours on the bolsters would do much for you…
I use a conductive grease lubricant that works really, really well. It’s a very dark gray grease and made by USA Trains in Malden, MA. I got mine from a G gauge dealer at the local DuPage County monthly train show.
Hope that helps.
Ken
Turns out its not the truck. I think its a bent Chassis affecting the wheels touching the rails.
Thanks for all the help