Wheels sslipping after previous good performance

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Marshall D Abrams - 24 Aug 2006 15:00 GMT

I have a two-unit DB suburban commuter train made by Lima that has
started slipping after years of satisfactory performance. One two-axal
truck is powered; two wheels on the same side have traction tires.

I thought of trying to clean the traction tires in case they have
picked up something. What should I use for cleaning? Goo Gone? Contact
cleaner?

Perhaps I should replace the traction tires. What's a source?

As manufactured there was four wheel pickup on the powered car. I
added jumpers to the second car and got twelve wheel pickup. That got
me thinking that perhaps I should put traction tires on all four
driving wheels. But the axals are geared, so I would have to replace
the wheels. Any thoughts if this would be worth the trouble?

Reply to this Message

Wolf Kirchmeir - 24 Aug 2006 23:28 GMT

> I have a two-unit DB suburban commuter train made by Lima that has
> started slipping after years of satisfactory performance. One two-axal
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> picked up something. What should I use for cleaning? Goo Gone? Contact
> cleaner?

That's my guess, too: either some oily gunk that slicked the tires, or
else the tires have become hard and polished over time. Replace them.

Another possibility is that the axles and/or bearings have worn in the
trailing bogies (power car and trailer), adding to drag. Examine them
carefully. You may need to replace the bogies as well.

> Perhaps I should replace the traction tires. What's a source?
>
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> driving wheels. But the axals are geared, so I would have to replace
> the wheels. Any thoughts if this would be worth the trouble?

If you are willing to go to the trouble of replacing wheels, I would
suggest eliminating the traction tires. You can get (rather pricey)
replacement wheels from a couple of sources. Add a couple ounces of
weight as close to the powered truck as possible. That should give you
enough traction to haul one or two cars, and I don't think you're going
to haul than that anyhow, are you?

HTH

Reply to this Message

Ray Haddad - 24 Aug 2006 23:37 GMT

On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:00:24 -0400, I said, "Pick a card, any card"
and Marshall D Abrams <MarshallAbrams@alumni.CarnegieMellon.edu>
instead replied:

>I have a two-unit DB suburban commuter train made by Lima that has
>started slipping after years of satisfactory performance. One two-axal
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
>Perhaps I should replace the traction tires. What's a source?

I've used rubber tubing in the past, sliced thin for a multitude of
rubber band type uses. To minimize oil absorption, use the stuff
made for model airplane fuel lines or medical use. A single edged
razor blade jig made to cut them uniformly is essential. Naturally,
a modeler's creative mind will be required to create the jig.

You may have to search around for the tubing but it's out there.

>As manufactured there was four wheel pickup on the powered car. I
>added jumpers to the second car and got twelve wheel pickup. That got
>me thinking that perhaps I should put traction tires on all four
>driving wheels. But the axals are geared, so I would have to replace
>the wheels. Any thoughts if this would be worth the trouble?

I use WD-40(tm) to clean traction tires. Try that first. Remove the
bands entirely and give them a good spray. Pat them dry on paper
towel and let them set in air for about an hour before you put them
back on. Also, clean the wheels themselves the same way before you
return the rubber to the metal.
--
Ray

Reply to this Message

Bob May - 25 Aug 2006 01:43 GMT

I'd probably try cleaning/luricating the idler axle holes first. Often, the
axle ends get some crud in them and stop turning so well.
Another thing is to not allow the drivers to slip in service as this shines
them up and thus the power transmitted is reduced.

--
Yeppie, Bush is such an idiot that He usually outwits
everybody else. How dumb!

Reply to this Message

Model Forum / General / Railroads / August 2006

Wheels sslipping after previous good performance