IM Cab Forward Problem

[Norway2112]

I was so impressed and pleased with my first run cab forward that I recently decided to purchase a second one, this one being from a more recent run with the white LED lamps. Both were purchased brand new with TCS DP2X decoders installed in the immediately after lubricated per IM's instructions. My first one runs smooth as silk and is very quiet.

My second one, the later production run is smooth and runs about the same speed as the first but the motor is much louder and the engine made a clicking sound going down the track. It was much louder running forward than in reverse. I carefully checked the side rods and watched them in motion slowly to see if any are touching as they pass but it didn't appear they were.

I just put it on my workbench upside down in a foam cradle with jumper wires going to the tender axles and the track so I could run it and watch the mechanism. There problem was clearly isolated to the front set of drivers. The rear set of drivers spin just as smooth and stable while the front set is driver just wobble and move all around. When I put just a tad bit of pressure on each axle, they all smooth out except the #3, which has a distinct thump in it. I guess that thump is carrying through the rods and making the other drivers wobble. Further examination at this view also seems to rule out side rods.

What I finally figured out was that the plastic inserts in the drivers had just a tiny bit of flashing still on them from when detached from the injection molding sprue.  This flashing was catching on the wheel wiper that carries the electrical current.

Once I figured this out, I just turned the throttle up and help a fine file on the back side of the driver and sanded off the flashing.  I went ahead and did it on all of the drivers in the front set in case there were multiple drivers.  Put it back on the track and problem was gone!

Now if I could figure out how to make the motor quiet like the first one, any thoughts?

Thanks,

Phillip

[victor miranda]

If you are at all able, send it back...

clanks and clicks and slower running than previous runs
(mostly that last one) cause me concern.

most of those symptoms do not lead to easy repairs.

victor

[Norway2112]

Victor, Thanks for the reply.  I was able to fix the clicks (see the above post, I edited my original posting).  It runs smooth and runs almost the exact same speed as my other one.  The motor is just noisy, any suggestions on how to quiet it down, or should I still send it back?

Phillip

[victor miranda]

Iffn it is now doing the same as the previous run, then I'd keep it.
IM is not likely to improve it...

motor noise?  motors need help to make noise.  gears ticking
and ac power and heavy loads....  what 'cha got for sounds?

[peteski]

I would be very surprised if the motor itself actually made more noise. it is simply a rotor on a steel shaft suspended in 2 brass bearings.  Then there is the commutator and 2 brushes rubbing against it. If properly lubricated, the motor should be quiet.  I suspect that the noise is coming from the mechanical parts that are driven by the motor.  Things like drive shaft couplers, worm bearings or the worms themselves. It could also be any (or all) of the gears.

I would contact IM to see if they will repair/exchange it.  They have a very good customer service and for as much as these cost, they should not need any additional tinkering.

[Flagler]

Check the plastic brake shoe piece.It can drag on the rail and snag