Atlas H15/16

[carmelmodelrr]

I have an H15/16 dated 2002.  The last time I ran it, it ran well.  I put it away for some time and today when I put it back on the layout, the lights work, the motor spins but the wheels won't budge.  I think I've traced the problem to a tiny male universal, part number 520104. This is what I've done so far.  Disassembled the body.  Repositioned the worm shaft & gear.  Touched the re-assembled body with two wires (one on each side of the body) and everything works well--I can see the worm gear spinning when I apply power.  I finish re-assembling the loco and before I put it on the track, touch it with the two wires again--all seems OK.  Then I put it on the track, the lights come on and if the loco moves at all, it just creeps.  Any ideas?  Thanks.

Dick Wroblewski

[JSL]

The male universal is notorious for cracking /splitting. Depending on who you talk to at Atlas, they may send some to you for free or they are cheap if you they make you pay.

[Bob Horn]

I have repaired many of the same drive (628, 630) with a drop of CA on the end of the motor shaft. No more problems. Still think the drive system stinks. Bob.

[LV LOU]

I have repaired many of the same drive (628, 630) with a drop of CA on the end of the motor shaft. No more problems. Still think the drive system stinks. Bob.

+1..Common problem on a lot of locos,Atlas,Con Cor,ETC..If you have a loco that the motor runs at a constant speed but the loco lurches and speeds up and slows down,it's probably the same problem...

[Ron McF]

I have six H16-44 locos, and over time I've had to replace all the original male universals.  The same male universal is used on the SD24, and although I have seven of those I've never had to replace one.  Perhaps the batch for the H16-44s was faulty - I dunno.

The replacement process is fiddly but not too difficult. Be aware that the hole in the universal is wider on one side than the other, so it only fits on the shaft one way.

Good luck.

Regards,
Ron

[Cory Rothlisberger]

I have repaired many of the same drive (628, 630) with a drop of CA on the end of the motor shaft. No more problems. Still think the drive system stinks. Bob.

That's the best fix if you don't want to send it in. And yes, that universal system died a painful, slow death and will never be used again...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

That's the best fix if you don't want to send it in. And yes, that universal system died a painful, slow death and will never be used again...

Are you guys retrofitting an improved version on future product runs, or just not implementing the same system in future models?