I was able to run my AZL GP7 PRR for the first time today and unfortunately it was a poor runner. I re-guaged the wheels and loosened the screws a 1/4 turn and ran it without the shell and it ran pretty good. However, when I put the shell back on, it ran poor once again. My theory was that the shell was affecting the wheel contacts so I filed the inside of the shell in the area of the wheel contacts. This seems to have fixed the issues. It still doesn't run as well as my other locos so I was wondering if anyone has any other tune up tips I could try. Thanks
Actually, everything that I tried that seemed to work on the "starter oval" that I tested it on, was proven ineffective when I tried running it on a real layout for the first time. So, I'm out of suggestions. Dan S.
I took the trucks out, and trimmed some flash from the top of the truck tower so they would swivel a bit easier. That seemed to help a bit.
My GP7 was running very poor just out of the box. Especially running over turnouts was quite bad. I run it 15 min. forwards and 15 min. backwards, after that it was o.k. It seems something (I think the wheel or truck contacts) have to "run in".
Robert's suggestion is best. I adjusted the two contact wipers with my fingers after truck removal and it runs very well. Just need to relube one truck. As far as turnouts-which type? Marklin? MTL? You may need to modify the MTL or Markling ones with a small file. Let us know if you need some links. Michael
I got the problems with the MTL turnouts, you are right, looks like they need a small height adjustment. Seems to be MTL and Marklin locos are more forgiving then AZLs
My GP7 had wheels that were out of gauge and it ran rough and erratic over the MT turnout frog at low speeds. I regauged the wheels using Robert Ray's method and now it traverses smoothly through the MTL turnouts.
