My 312 engine goes noticeably slower in forward than in reverse. Is there some "tune-up" or adjustment to the motor or gears that may be needed? Any advice is welcomed.
Thank you.
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Thanks for the link. For me it sounds like a lot of work, I wonder if there are any PW train parts suppliers that sell a new or re-man armature.
I have had good luck by cleaning the motor and armature well and adding a thrust washer or two.
call me i can help you 440-943-4482
Could also be something simple like brush spring pressure. The XA11077 armatures in the ebay listing are pul mor armatures The 312 should be a regular armature. I sent a couple to the Motor Doctor to rewind, excellent results....
Marty
It usually is something to do with the faces of the commutators as others and the notes on Doug Peck's site have cited. A good thorough check of them and their surroundings is all part of trying to address the issue -- which almost inevitably strikes most Gilbert steam engines. The drill/drill press and emory paper "facing" of the commutators usually works, but may not last as long as turning them on a jeweler's lathe -- at least that's been my experience with both treatments. The problem is having or finding someone with a small lathe (and that knows what they're doing not to remove too much copper in the process). The expert that used to do them for me no longer does. Pity. Did great work. You need also to be careful not to sever the wire wound around each of the three segment posts when facing the comms. Some of the armatures sold by Doug Peck have new commutators. You might want to check his web site for those. In summary, check the following for proper operating condition:
- front armature bearing -- intact? worn out?
- rear armature bearing -- intact? worn out?
- shaft of armature -- fore/aft of the windings, I've had some that were worn thin, usually fore
- front thrust washer(s) (0.020"/0.010"), aft thrust washer (0.005" with oil splash guard armature)
- brush springs, brushes, brush tubes
- brush holder intact (not cracked)
- armature windings (intact, good connection to posts)
- armature commutators (intact, cleaned, shiny, even/flat, continuity and like resistance between all segments, refaced if/when necessary/possible)
- some, but not a lot of axial travel when assembled
- free spinning by hand in both directions when assembled (without brushes or choo-choo)
- drive gear centered on axle
- choo-choo gear free-spinning, but not too much play
- grease on worm, drive, and choo-choo gears
- medium oil on front armature bearing
- light oil (very sparingly) on rear armature bearing and oil wick
Don't take it personally. The "syndrome" strikes many an innocent Flyer steam engine.
Dave
