You can easily improve the operation of the Lionel #197 Rotating Radar Antenna by substituting a Lionel #3520-016 , 6-Finger Drive Washer and by adding a K-line #620-1394-015 Paper Friction Washer. First, clean all moving parts (as well as the coil) with 70% isopropyl alcohol and then thoroughly dry them. Next, apply a small amount of Hob-E-Lube #HL652 Dry White Lube to the top of the rubber drive washer, the paper friction washer, the driving slug, and the drive shaft. Place the paper friction washer between the rubber 6-finger washer and the driving slug. Re-assemble the accessory and apply 12-16 volts of variable ac power. Initially, you may have to apply 16 volts to heat up the coil, but in no time you will be able to decrease the voltage. Both the 6-finger drive washer and the paper friction washer are readily available online from Brasseur Electric Trains Parts and the dry white lube is available online from TrainWorld. I hope this simple fix helps.
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