Skip to main content

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Not that unusual, it would be more unusual for them to run freewheeling at exactly the same speed.  Even I slight difference in the friction within the drive train for each truck is enough to radically change the freewheeling speed.  For those with Odyssey cruise control, the effect is even more likely, only one motor provides the feedback for the speed control.

 

They work fine on the tracks, just make sure both motors and drive trains are free of binding or excessive friction.

 

Absolutely possible, but nothing to worry about. The most important part is keeping the locomotive's drivetrain clean of debris and properly lubricated. Any poor performance is usually traced back to improper lubrication, rather than motor performance. Modern DC motors are maintenance free, but AC motors will need periodic tune ups, such as replacing the brushes and adjusting the brush spring tension.

 

-John

What our Webmaster says is true to a large extent with postwar Lionel diesels (which had back-drivable series-wound AC motors.)  But in their service manual, Lionel advised that for best operation, both motors of a dual-motored F-3 should start within one volt of each other.

 

In your case how significant is the difference?  Unlike newer Legacy diesels and the old postwar greats, your Lionel FT has self-locking worm gears on both motor trucks.  If the speeds are off, your loco might start out with a lurch.  If one motor is defective, one or both motors may tend to run hot, and will eventually fail or cause premature failure of the electronics.

 

The difference you're observing in wheel speed might not be between the motors per se.  Even when the loco is "freewheeling" on a test stand, there is still friction from the gear mesh between the worm on the motor shaft and the worm wheel in the truck.  At least one generation of Lionel's FTs had improperly meshed gears, which could be corrected by shimming.  Search my other posts for more info on this subject.

 

If the loco (1) starts smoothly; (2) doesn't draw excess amps compared to your other diesels with two can motors; and (3) attains a reasonable top speed (let's say 75-80 scale MPH at 17 volts) then both motors and gear sets are probably healthy.  Hope this helps!  -Ted

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×