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Reply to "Buy/Make Anything Cool Lately (Tinplate Version)"

Lionel2056 posted:
RonH posted:
Lionel2056 posted:

These arrived yesterday, with matching coaches. Both are Ives 3241s with a 184 buffet and 186 observation. The green one does run, but needs a new light bulb, as I believe it shattered during shipping. The red one, unfortunately, doesn't move. It buzzes loudly and at one point, started smoking. I have no idea what was going on, but once I saw smoke, I stopped trying to run it. Anyone have an idea why its not moving and smoking? Would this be an easy repair?

 

Did you get them off of eBay, If so I also bid on them then stopped. Maybe just do the basics and check for broken wires/shorts and such. Lot of luck and keep us posted. Maybe start a new thread on your repairs 

Hi Ron,

yes I did get them off of eBay. However, they were listed as 'Buy it now', so I didn't have to bid. Also, thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at the wires again, and see if there's anything I can do.

Usually a buzzing sound comes from an e-unit as the magnet is holding the post. Does it have an e-unit? If so, the e-unit may be stuck. The smoke usually comes from the motor being energized but not moving. I usually spray the motor liberally with CRC contact cleaner and let it drain off.  I spin the wheels and the motor during this process to loosen everything up. I wipe out any dirt I can get to. I clean the brush heads and armature plates with a pencil eraser. Then, I re-lubricate the motor and axels. I put light grease on the gears and a drop of light weight oil on the armature axel on both sides. If the e-unit is sticking, a similar process is required. Sometimes you need to remove the post from the magnetic coil to clean it thoroughly. Then it will require a few drops of light weight oil. While you are doing all of this, you should inspect the wires for rot and the wire connections. I had one that looked OK, but was shorting on the underside to the frame. Rot isn't always noticeable either. Move the wire and all the insulation crumbles away. They you need to re-wire one wire at a time.  I bought cloth wrapped wire to keep the engine as original as possible.

Good luck!

George

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

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