I have a Rivarossi Heisler (HO) that I really love but it runs poorly. Clearly it needs repair work but I am not capable of doing it...Don't even know what's wrong. Can you guys recommend someone trustworthy to work on it?
I don't have anyone particular in mind ... but you might check with your local model railroad club or hobby shop for a name. Good luck.
If your local shop does not do such work, they'll likely have a suggestion. Give them a call. Boxcab E50
Try to explain what is wrong with the Heisler. Does it run/try to run? I have owned several of these over the years and there really isn't much that can go wrong. The Rivarossi motors (in the older ones) are 3 pole jobs and have rather funky brushes.That could be a problem. One of the track pickups could be acting funny, the locos only pick up on one side or the other, a good chance of non running. Can you take the superstructure off the mechanism? This might be a great time to learn how to work on your locos. Woodie
Thanks, Woodie. The loco wants to run. If I nudge it, it will usually run but only for a very short distance. It's real jerky. I'd love to learn more about it, but I'm a bit intimidated, to be honest. Don't want to do more damage to an already bad situation.
Sounds like the loco is just in need of some cleaning, and relubing. How old is the loco? To clean the wheels, since the loco only picks up power from one side of each truck, hold the loco upside down and using a Q-tip or pipe cleaner dipped in alcohol, rub the dirt off of the wheels. Overall the loco probably needs some good old maintenance. If you think that you aren't sure how to do this, contact me off-line. I may be able to help. I've had several of these locos over the years and have even converted one to On3.
OK Carey. I appreciate your help. I should have told you that I have cleaned the wheels...those babies are darn near sterile! I will attempt dis-assembly and hope to contact you off-list. Thanks again.
