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Hi everyone, I just got my 1930s 1688E loco in the mail and it runs great! But small sparks come from the wheels. The wheels are dark grey I cleaned them and there was less sparks but I still get the occasional one here and there but how do I get my wheels to get shinny like they once were? Is it rust? Paint? Used oil or something? And any way to get rust off driving rods?some of my other post wars need a little TLC too. and where would I be able to find one of the little red lanterns that go to the side of the 1688E? Any help o advice would really help?

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Hi Patrick.   Nice little engine you have and looks to be in good shape.  If you don't already have one the Dremal tool is your friend! You can clean up the wheels and take a little surface rust off the diver rods with a small wire wheel bit or something similar.   The part your looking for I would check with forum sponsor "Hennings trains" Harry usually has any part I need.  Hope this helps.

First, I put it in a cradle and upside down I get the wheels spinning at a medium rate of speed.

 

After cleaning any grease off the wheels with alcohol on a rag (make sure you don't let it catch in the gears!), I bust out my custom ScotchBrite Dremel pad and polish them up nice and bright (only the running surface of the wheels).

 

I don't like the wire wheels as they spit tiny little wires that get everywhere!

 

 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

First, I put it in a cradle and upside down I get the wheels spinning at a medium rate of speed.

 

After cleaning any grease off the wheels with alcohol on a rag (make sure you don't let it catch in the gears!), I bust out my custom ScotchBrite Dremel pad and polish them up nice and bright (only the running surface of the wheels).

 

I don't like the wire wheels as they spit tiny little wires that get everywhere!

 

 

I do basically the same thing but I use a "Scotch Brite" Pad # 7447 (Very fine). This is not the type you buy in the grocery store, it is made for metal.

Use test leads, turn the motor upside down and apply the voltage. Once the wheels are turning apply the Scorch Brite pad firmly but not to stall the engine, just to keep the pad on the wheel. Did this with many of the electric prewar locos and they look like new when I m finished. If the spokes are painted I will remove the wheels then repaint the in red with a brush and magnifier light.

 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

... I don't like the wire wheels as they spit tiny little wires that get everywhere!   ...

The Dremel wire wheels work really well to clean oxidized wheels but I don't use them in the house. I only use them outdoors while wearing a work apron and goggles. The tiny wires often fly out and can get into your skin or clothes like tiny splinters. If there is heavy crud on wheels I first scrape it off with a sharpened wooden stick.

I've been meaning to try Gunrunner's method with the Scotchbrite pads but I need to get some extra mandrels for my Dremel tool.

Last edited by Ace

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