AF UP SD70ACe

All the U33's are Legacy engines, I assume you mean you are using a Cab1 to operate it. I have three of the UP SD70ACe's and one NYC from a much earlier production run. Some, but not all of the newer UP's and other road names from the last run have a pickup continuity problem caused by a design change in the trucks.

Carl Tuveson first identified the source of the problem and developed a fix. It is simple. Buy replacement springs from AM, they are a heavier gauge, and replace the Lionel springs. It works. I tried keeping the Lionel springs and putting a very, very small amount of conductive grease in the spring pocket. This also worked. I hope you get an engine without the pickup issues, most do not have it.

They run great and sound great. Keep the smoke units full or turned off. These engines make a lot of smoke on Hi. I believe Fastrack wide radius is 27", they also run fine on the 20" radius.

Thanks Tom! I really Ike the U33c but I get confused with the nomenclature..Legacy, TMCC, etc. I’m living in a sort of “Flyer void” location with few Lionel experts to consult.
Oops! I meant to say 20” radius Fastrack. Anyway, I’ll keep an eye out for the pickup springs issue. I have an AM passenger car with sprung trucks. Are those the same type of springs you’re referring to?
My first train set was in 1950 something so I grew up with the Gilbert stuff. The new “Flyonel” with all the electronics are sort of like our newer Subaru. I still haven’t figured out all the nifty things the car’s computer can do. Thanks again!

analog guy living in a digital world

Not the springs in the passenger car trucks. The correct springs are the ones under the square bearings in the AM diesel trucks. I can provide details and pictures if your engine has this problem.

Legacy is relatively simple. It just takes one wire to the track. The engines are pre-programmed, just the address number needs to be set. I usually use the last two digits of the number printed on the engine. For example, the UP SD70 is #21 in my Legacy system. (I have the no-flag versions.)

Thanks AmFlyer! I’ll keep you in mind should I encounter an issue with the springs. My SD70 is also the no flag version. Am looking forward to running it and my 10-year old grandson will be stoked to see a model of what he sees moving through his town.
RBG (NOT Ruth Badger Ginsberg..haha)

I looked on the American Models website parts section. Would I need the “axel bearing springs” if I encounter the pickup issue?

RBG

@Retired band guy posted:

I looked on the American Models website parts section. Would I need the “axel bearing springs” if I encounter the pickup issue?

RBG

Yes,

Many thanks to all who responded! Much appreciated.
RBG

Here are a couple of pictures of 8321.

Oh man. Now the anticipation is killing me. Nice photos! Thanks.

RGB

I bought a es44ac last summer that has this problem........I am somewhat confussed about the little spring..........what do I ask for when i call AM? Does anyone have a part number to use?

Jackie

On their diesel parts section they are just called Axle Bearing Spring Set of 8. This is the first I have heard of an ES44Ac having the problem. I suppose it is possible if the one you bought is from the 2020 catalog. Mine is from 2013 and has no problems.