I have Lionel Hudson #2046. Under power the engine rubs and squeaks every 2 or 3 feet on track. There is no rub/squeak when engine is pushed along track with no power and no rub/squeak when wheels are rotated manually off track. I have tried lubricating but this does not seem to help. Thanks.
Rick
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Can you connect some alligator clips to the engine to power it up in your hand, so you can watch and listen while it runs?
Roger
Thanks. Will do.
Rick
A common problem with these spur gear engines is the phenolic brush plate wears at the armature hole where it acts as the bearing. At speed the armature vibrates and cause the squeal. A drop of oil there might only last for a few feet of running. Removing the brush plate and greasing the hole will last longer. If grease quiets it for a while then you need to replace the brush plate. You can also fit a bronze bearing in there which is a more permanent fix.
Try lubrication first to verify where the noise is coming from.
Pete
Also, the intermediate gears vibrate, so a drop of oil on each gear stud, axle bushing, both ends of the armature, and the backside of each castle gear where they ride on the side plates will go a long way to quiet these down.
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