Post War Lead Truck Issue

As I'm not familiar with the SHS Flyer conversion wheels, I suppose the obvious question is:  Are these wheelsets insulated on both sides or just one side? If one side, are the insulated wheels on the same side?

Rusty

I'd say Rusty Traque has it, unless maybe the wheels are scraping underneath.

These wheel sets are insulated on one side. I'd like to find some that are insulated on both sides;that might solve the problem.

I don't think it's shorting against the frame;there appears to be plenty of clearance there.

Mark in Oregon

Mark, not to insult your intel or belabor the point, but as Rusty said the correct side has to be insulated.  That is, the grounded one must be on the same side as the grounded drive wheels (assuming the  wheels' frame and axle are grounded). 

Good point. So, the obvious question is: does anyone know which side the driving wheels on a #310 are grounded? I guess I thought they were all insulated by virtue of the white wheel rims...

Mark in Oregon

Now ya got me.  But if you have some kind of continuity tester it would be easy to determine.  Maybe a Flyer fan out there knows.

Well, I don't have intimate knowledge of Postwar Flyer, but I just checked my 316 with a meter.

The loco's frame is electrically connected to the pick up wheels on the fireman's side of the locomotive  (The rear tender truck on my 316)

So the uninsulated wheels on the pilot ruck would have to be on the same side.  If this is not the case, then it might be the problem.

Rusty

Normally I believe that Flyer steam boiler drivers are insulated on both sides. Pilot and trailing truck wheels are all plastic and therefore all insulated. Power pickup is only from the tender. If both pairs of new wheels are insulated on both sides, no power to the chassis like a normal Flyer engine.

Rich

So if I understand you correctly,the insulated wheels should be on the "fireman's" side, or the left side if you're looking at the front of the engine(?)

I'll try that and let you know,thanks.

Mark in Oregon

The insulated pilot wheels should match the insulated wheels on the rear tender truck.(On my model, the engineer's side.  I don't know how consistent ACG was of if wheels were swpped over the course of time.) 

The uninsulated pilot wheels on the fireman's side.

Rusty

OK,I had it backwards...I'll try it THIS way and let you know.

Thanks.

Mark in Oregon

Rusty

I quick check shows that that might have been the answer. Dunno how or why this issue didn't come up with any of my other engines, but it did,so thanks for the assistance!

Mark in Oregon

As the philosopher once said: "Stuff happens."

Rusty

All I can say is that my meter shows continuity between the rear truck and frame on my 316.  Whether the insulator's worn out or the original owner changed something, I don't know.  I've never had any reason to take it apart.

Rusty

Russ, bet if you cycle the e unit (2x) the truck changes to the front truck.

Gandy