Need help with 6-2301 Sawmill

What are you powering it with?

One accessory port on my postwar ZW.  When it didn't work after first hookup, I removed the sides and found the thread hanging loose.  It appears that thread would just go back around the pulley and hook back to the spring, but there is way too much thread left that hangs loose.  When I tried to wrap the thread around twice around the pulley and connect back to the spring, there was not enough length to make the connection.

I was hoping someone might have had this same problem or something similar and came up with another method to power the accessory.  I hate to remove from the layout as it is a big hit with the grandkids.

I have repaired several of these the past few years. Its the same as the postwar 464. The string that wraps the pulley goes around the gear 1 and a 1/2 times. Without seeing any photos, I cant really tell the issue. Try wrapping it as stated above.

Let me know

I saw the same thing you mention, about wrapping the string around 1 1/2 times, but cannot figure out a way to do that and have the end come back and connect to the spring. 

After fooling with it so many times, I have destroyed the spring so have placed an order with Jeff Kane for a replacement.  Once received, I will retry your suggestion.

Thanks,

Ok guys, received my parts and re-attached the spring after winding 1 and a half turns.  Hooked back up and the sawmill pushed through 2 or 3 logs perfectly, then stopped.  Removed cover and thread and spring were still attached.

Any ideas on what may be the problem now?

Check the 2 conveyor pulleys that the drive belt. Sometimes they get caught up with dust, dirt etc. Check the drive belt itself.

Can you take photos?

Hey Mark, thanks for the response...   here are a few shots.

Nothing looks out of place. The only thing I can suggest is take off the pulleys and clean the insides so they move freely. Also, what voltage are you running this at?

Does the mechanism run OK with the covers off? If so the metal tang on the film belt may be catching on the plastic base on the log side. You may need to bevel the corner a little with a small file.

My Weyerhauser saw mill had problems straight out of the box (love the quality control at Lionel!!!) Culprit on mine was the metal peg attached to the conveyor belt was catching on the slots in the sides of the building. If yours runs smoothly with the structure removed but doesn't when reassembled then that is most likely your problem. IMO there are many aspects of this unit which could be better designed. Still, when it does work it's pretty neat.  

Mark, thanks for all of your help & suggestions!  I am now looking to replace the vibrator motor setup to see if I can improve the efficiency.

Chuck, I had not attempted to operate without the covers, so will give a shot as well!