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Reply to "MTH Rotary Beacon"

I didn’t know MTH made the bulb heat version. I thought MTH was strictly vibramotor.
Steve

They didn't.  Why would they go through the same 'learning curve' that Lionel did in going from the 394 to 494 mechanics??  The dimpled bulb 'heater' and fragile beacon top were as finicky as they come.  (3656 bovines a close second!!) 

Replacing the rubber finger washer is usually the most effective way to restore rotation.  They're very available from various parts purveyors.  They're easy/fast to install.  I keep several on hand.

If the finger washer is new and the mating parts clean, you should find that rotation will be very good at lower voltages.  However, as the finger washer wears, the fingers shorten, wear debris builds up, it'll take a higher voltage to get rotation.  When the fingers are really worn out (I've repaired some that literally have NO finger remnants whatsoever!), it's time for overhaul...at any voltage!!

The vibramotor is a decent, simple, easy to maintain way to get motion.  Lionel learned how to employ it quite well...IMHO, of course.

Sounds like yours may be an electrical discontinuity issue, though.

KD

Last edited by dkdkrd

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