Atlas DCC U25B Locomotives

in2tech Oct 6, 2021

  1. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Makes the exact same noise when put back together? And those plastic sprockets ( or whatever they are called ) are a PITA to align. But I eventually get them aligned! So, Oil, NEW motor?
     
  2. tehachapifan

    tehachapifan TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, they are a PITA to align for sure! Took me several tries last time I had mine apart.

    The only other thing I can think of is the rotating motor poles are hitting part of the motor casing/magnets. I've seen this in only a couple motors. The clearance is normally very tight anyway, so if something becomes bent or loosened it could be making contact. Sometimes a small piece of debris can be stuck in there too.
     
  3. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Well, I'll do the best I can checking everything, and then put a drop of Oil on each end, put it back together, see what I get. If it continues, order 2 NEW motors!
     
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  4. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Can you do it again, but this time with the motor not resting on the frame? Hold the motor in the air with two fingers. The noise sounds like something is loose and "rattling" or rubbing. I want to get the spinning flywheels away from everything to avoid any rubbing during your test.

    If the motor is silent in mid air then you can eliminate that big item. It's probably the (re)assembly of the unit with something hitting something. BUT(!), it the same noise happens with the motor in mid air, you've got your answer.
     
  5. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Will do, won't make a video as it will be to hard with me holding it and those alligator clips are really close to each other. Trying not to short anything out :) I tried in on the table with a piece of balsa wood under it before an it made a noise. So I put it back in the frame, cause they is how it runs for real. I will try air time :)
     
  6. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Alright, same exact noise when held in the air? Motor time? If so which one? It's appears there is only one that has the wires in the same place for the Decoder to touch the wires, but I could be wrong?

    Which motor do I get? I need two of them! Not sure if they are in stock, or out?

    https://shop.atlasrr.com/c-908-n-classic-u25b-locomotive-parts.aspx?pagenum=1
     
  7. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    [​IMG]
    See how both my clips or contacts are in the top to make contact with decoder?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  8. tehachapifan

    tehachapifan TrainBoard Member

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    Looks like the 445600 is the correct one with the motor tabs at the top (although it appears to be a scale-speed motor, so it could run slower than your current one). That said, this is assuming that they posted the correct pic, something that is not always the case with their parts listings. If you wanted to double-check, you could email the parts dept. there to confirm that the 445600 is indeed the motor with the contacts along the top before committing to a purchase.

    ...looking again I see that the 445700 might be the exact match. Thinking either the 445600 or the 445700 would probably work....again assuming the correct pics are up.
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2021
  9. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Email sent, we will see what they say, probably next week! Thanks everyone for your help!
     
  10. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Sounds like new motor time as you have exhausted all possible testing. Hopefully Atlas will get back to you on which motor.I

    BTW, should Atlas be out of stock (once you determine which motor), check on eBay using the part number. There used to be a seller who sells lots of Atlas parts. Don't know if he still does it.
     
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  11. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Yeah I see only one on ebay when I enter U25B but the picture does not look correct? Waiting for Atlas to get back to me! I've actually never done this before so I am trying to be real careful and get the correct ones as I need two.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/353580319951?epid=0&hash=item52530784cf:g:th0AAOSwF2tfuzxP
     
  12. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    That was fast. Atlas got back to me and said it is the 445700 motors that I need. Here is the email.

    "445700 is what you need and are in stock. Type 445700 into the search bar on our homepage and they should come up. The 445600 were scale speed motors meant to replace the older non scale speed motors on older U25B’s. We will not be getting those back in stock. 445700 is a scale speed motor."

    I'll be ordering two of them hopefully today!

    445700 Motor!

    445700.jpg

    Alright, order placed. Hopefully I'll have two more locomotives working correctly soon. I only have 4 DCC locomotives for my 2' x 4' layout at this time. All of them bought in the Swap Meet area. The U25B's about 2 or 3 years ago, and 2 of them have needed motors since I go them. Didn't know it at the time though. Not till this past week or so with y'alls help. Planning on buying 2 brand new Kato GE ES44DC ones in the future. And 2 decoders for them. Unless maybe the Atlas NEW U25B's start shipping with the decoders already installed? Not 100% sure yet? Well the Intermountain has a A&B powered DCC units. First time ever ordering a part, guess I am part of the club now :)
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2021
    tehachapifan and Sumner like this.
  13. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Received the NEW motors, man I can't get those tiny tabs to site in the frame on the motor to save my life. It's really hard to do, as I now remember from tying month's ago! Any tips? There are little tiny slots that the tabs go in to.

    Now I know what a Saddle is :) Man those little tabs on the saddles on the motor are so difficult to align? Time to get the big arse magnifying glass out. And pray!

    440103.jpg
     
  14. tehachapifan

    tehachapifan TrainBoard Member

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    You have to hold your mouth a certain way.o_O

    Seriously though, I remember trying to get these to stay put and I was speaking in tongues by the time I finally got the frame halves back together.:mad:
     
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  15. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Alright I thought I had a bod motor(s) but I tested them and they both work and are quiet...so that is good. Now the bad, when I put it back together the lights work but nothin else. It won't move. I have taken these things apart at least 20 times before people helped with the motor situation. Now what do I do? After hours of trying to get this thing back together, it won't work. How disappointing. Ideas or suggestions!

    What a bummer!

    I am gonna go play with my NEW Classic Metals lowboys now! I'm so frustrated :( This is when the hobby is not fun for me.
     
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2021
  16. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    I know what ya mean. It can be a bummer with current situations. Maybe come spring. :oops:
     
  17. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    If the lights work then the track pickup should be fine to the lightboard. If the motors work in or out of the frame by touching the motor contacts with wires clipped to the track then the problem must be between the lightboard and the motor contacts if the bottom of the lightboard contacts those motor contacts.

    Sumner
     
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  18. freddy_fo

    freddy_fo TrainBoard Member

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    The spring/brass contacts from the motor not touching the proper spots on the light board would be my first guess as well. Whenever I have issues with the motor after a reassembly of an atlas loco that is the first thing I check. Sometimes it's the contacts from the motor are bent too far forward or back but usually they are compressed to the point that they don't make good contact to the board. First thing I'd try is to straighten out the springs a bit so they sit more proud when installed in the frame with the idea that they will make good contact with the board when it is installed.
     
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2021
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  19. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Well I'll have to take it apart again. And I was sure that those Saddle things were correct before I put it back together. Anything that could kind of Bind the motor? And could have sworn those contacts were touching with the DCC board, but will check. Good thing is I have 3 of the exact same locomotives so I can exchange stuff if need be. I also got really frustrated after working on it for hours. Maybe I just needed to take a break, I hope? Just hop eit works without spending any more money?
     
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  20. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    So now I am getting a short as soon as I put the U25B on the track, and apply power. Time to check the wipers or whatever they are called on the trucks? I guess! It so hard to see but I think the two spring connections are fine from the motor to the decoder? Dang this is not going easy as usual? Guess that's the hobby of maintenance on locomotives?

    Have to say I am a little burned out from trying to get it to work for now. I thought it would be really simple? I was wrong :) I'll set it aside for now!
     
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2021
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