I bought this SP F7 off eBay the other day. The seller said "it has been run only a few times". The engine makes a lot of noise and suffers from some herky-jerky motion. Does it just need a lube job or something more. Where on this engine would you apply the LeBelle oil? Hopefully this video shows and sounds accurately enough to give you an idea of what needs to be done. Any help and advice is appreciated! http://www.youtube.com/v/BQtO7y5LnwE
CofGafan, I am assuming that you are talking about MicroTrains F7's, which if taken care of, will last you years and years. I have one I purchased when they first came out in the mid eighties. I have 2 Z scale layouts, as one was just given to me and I am in the process of re-habbing. I have a total of 3 PRR F's, which I keep in the box when I am not running them. They haven't been run in awhile, so after I cleaned up the track, and sanded the rails, I put each one on the track.....and nothing. This has been pretty routine, for when they sit, the gears get a little stiff, so here is what I do, and it must work, because all three this second are running on my layout. First, and foremost, get plastic friendly Lube #107 from a hobby supplier, for I believe the oil will disburse to the brass and plastic gears. Second, lubricate the loco on the underside gears and if you can squeeze it, inbetween the truck housing and wheels. Sometimes, I take the shell off and there is a space that allows lubrication to the engine bearings. Oil very lightly. Third, put the loco on your clean track, and put the power to it slowly, and coax is along with your finger for about 10-12 laps or until it runs smoothly. Do not apply too much power, nor push it too hard, it will come along. To have a small electric motor still operating after 20 years and more, without changing the brushes or armatures or even the motors, is a testament to the quality of this company. Just baby these locos and they will serve you tremendously. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
I think the noise is about normal for these. The are loud, but run well. Any jerkiness could be fixed by adding wheel wipers. http://home.tx.rr.com/teetertottertree/wheel/
If you dont mind sending to have it fix. Glen Chennier is your man. He is also the one who sells the wheel wiper. I think he has a fix for the grinning noise also. If you want to fix it yourself, email him for some hints on how to fix it. He is always been very helpfull.
Thanks John and Chris. I'll get in touch with him. Ken, how are things in Florida? Did you ever build the AC-9 we talked about on UPModeler's N-scale forum?
