Originally Posted by Ace:
My friend Ed does train repair, but only occasionally on American Flyer. He serviced an inoperable AF 21160 (clean and lube etc) and then it was using 18+ volts and 2.5 to 3 amps just going down flat track at a moderate speed with no train. He shimmed the armature for less end play and it brought the current draw down somewhat. I ran an identical 21160 from his own collection and it also used 18+ volts but only drew about 1.5 amps under identical conditions. So my question is, do AF locos of that vintage typically use that much voltage and current in normal operation? We are using an MTH Z4000 transformer with digital volt and amp displays. Thanks for any info !
To add to what has been kindly posted above.....
According to Gilbert's own specifications, a 21160 Atlantic should not draw more than 1.7 amps at 12 volts. It should not draw more than 2.1 amps while pulling 4 boxcars. On a 140" oval of track, it should run 9 revolutions per minute around the oval in forward and 8. 5 revolutions in reverse, again at 12 volts.
A current draw of over 2.5 amps is often an indicator of shorted or poor insulation on an armature or field. You might try using a good multimeter and make direct measurements rather than depend on the transformer meters alone. In addition to cleaning and lubricating, if one has a more complex issue, Bob Hannon's "A. C. Gilbert's Postwar American Flyer S-Gauge Reference Manual" is a great source of info on nominal resistances of various coils, armatures, etc. and tips on when elements test 'good' but may not. Tom Barker's "Gilbert American Flyer S Gauge Operating and Repair Guide" offers good diagnosis guides for trouble shooting. I have found that RC motor cleaner and Q-Tips can aid in cleaning motors without a total disassembly -- just be sure that the volatile cleaner has completely evaporated before applying power (the sparks, you know).
Hope this helps.
Bob
