Tuning up Atlas diesels

[mike_lawyer]

I have two Atlas diesels (an SD9 and an RS-11) that I purchased around 2008-2009.  I ran them on my old layout until I moved in 2014.  They ran great, with excellent electrical pickup and smooth motor control.  After I took my old layout apart and moved, I stored the locomotives in a temperature controlled room at my new house.

I am now at the point to starting to lay track on the new layout.  When I put the two locos on the track, both were jerky, with iffy electrical contact.  In addition, the motors were making noise when they would run.  Obviously, I need to do some tuning up of the diesels.  Can anyone give me some pointers as to how to clean and lubricate recent Atlas diesels?

Mike

[Wolf N Works]

Hi Mike. I recommend this video

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[wm3798]

If you can provide a photo of the two drives that would help determine which version you have.  Given the time frame you bought them, they might be original issues with a Kato built drive.  These would lack the bronze pick up wipers, and rely primarily on contact between the cast alloy truck frame and the cast alloy frame.
The simplest thing to do is burnish the contact surfaces a bit and hit them with some contact cleaner.  If that's not enough, apply a tiny bit of conductolube to the contact surfaces.

If they are later releases with the bronze pick ups, you should disassemble the trucks and clean the cups that ride on the axle points.  I use a bit of contact cleaner and a pointy toothpick.  Carbon builds up in there, and dust etc. can accumulate over time affecting the contact.

Regarding the motor noises, you should be able to rectify that with a tiny dot of Labelle oil to the motor bearings (where the drive rod comes out of the motor housing) and a bit on the worm gear to lube the drive chain.
Finally, shoot a bit of contact cleaner into the motor armature where the brushes contact the core, and you should be off to the races.

Lee

[mike_lawyer]

If you can provide a photo of the two drives that would help determine which version you have.  Given the time frame you bought them, they might be original issues with a Kato built drive.  These would lack the bronze pick up wipers, and rely primarily on contact between the cast alloy truck frame and the cast alloy frame.
The simplest thing to do is burnish the contact surfaces a bit and hit them with some contact cleaner.  If that's not enough, apply a tiny bit of conductolube to the contact surfaces.

If they are later releases with the bronze pick ups, you should disassemble the trucks and clean the cups that ride on the axle points.  I use a bit of contact cleaner and a pointy toothpick.  Carbon builds up in there, and dust etc. can accumulate over time affecting the contact.

Regarding the motor noises, you should be able to rectify that with a tiny dot of Labelle oil to the motor bearings (where the drive rod comes out of the motor housing) and a bit on the worm gear to lube the drive chain.
Finally, shoot a bit of contact cleaner into the motor armature where the brushes contact the core, and you should be off to the races.

Lee

Thanks Lee, what contact cleaner would you recommend?  I have some Labelle oil that should arrive tomorrow, and I'd like to order some contact cleaner as well to clean up the pickup strips.  I think I have the more recent vintage Atlas diesels with the phosphor bronze contact strips.

Mike

[oakcreekco]

FWIW, I've used CRC QD Contact Cleaner.

Works very well, doesn't harm plastics. This and a tooth brush are best friends for a loco that needs a good tune up.

Did just about all my locos at the beginning of this year. No issues with the Contact cleaner.

Good luck.

[DeltaBravo]

I agree, contact cleaner is great and clean those wheel cups. While you have the wheels out of the trucks double check the gauge and clean the wheel treads.

[wm3798]

Yup.  That's the stuff.  I pick it up at Lowe's.
It's revived many of the bargain bin antiques I've accumulated over the years.  (Nothing makes me happier than hearing someone say "It Doesn't Run, how about a dollar for it?" )
I get out my trusty tool kit, and I usually have another dinosaur roaming the earth!
Lee

[mmagliaro]

....  "It Doesn't Run, how about a dollar for it?" )
Lee

I love hearing that.     I got a Sunset models brass PRR DD-1 for 50 bucks that way (typical street price was about 300 at the time).