Just yesterday I finished detailing my Lionel 2056. It's never been this clean since it left the factory 65 years ago. Before complete reassembly, I did some test laps on the track. It was intermittently chattering very badly. I was a little disappointed, & did not know just what was causing this sound. I assumed I did a proper cleaning & put everything back like I found it. Something was not right. Now keep in mind, this is only my second steam locomotive to service. I've done two diesel engines thus far, one FA & one F-3, totaling 4 engines now. For not ever performing such tasks, I think I've been doing a nice job. I was upset that I might have messed something up in my process. Well, that wasn't the case. It was so clean, that after multiple laps on the rails, & adding a bit more oil here & there, the sound subsided completely. It just needed more oil during its break in period. I was so glad that it ran smoothly afterwards!
This is & has been a learning process for me. I am taking my time w/ each project, from start to finish. It's nice to know I'm doing a good job when the engines run so well after all these years.
Later last night I finished detailing its tender, the 2046W. I cleaned the carbon dust & grime off the commutator & brushes, knocked some rust off the wheels, & oiled up everything. Without any repairs needed, it ran great & sounds wonderful. Stay tuned for a cleaned up view of the two together, & some nice boxcars I detailed as well.
As always... All comments are welcome, & Thanks for Watching, Y'all!!