Hey all, Loooking for some expertise and opinion.......I have almost finished re-painting and rewiring an Aristocraft 0-4-0 swithcher I picked up from a friend........it was painted int the circus colors (ungodly), and I wanted a Christmas engine....... Anyway........I only ran it a little before the restore....it did ok.....but now it runs like crap........I cleaned the gearboxes, and relubed, redid wires......etc, and it runs.....but it seems like electrical pick up is bad. The main wheels were horribly corrded, and I polished them up......but it still is unacceptable. I trieds some light weight conductive lube.....it improved, but still not great. Any other suggestions??? Thoughts??? Does anyone have any experience with conductive grease?? and where to get some?? Darryl
Conductive grease is usually available from any automotive store, if you still can't find any, here is a good part number > CRE29606 - Conductive Grease 4oz
The grease normally runs $11.00 from a hobby store, you can pm me and I'll give you the name of a hobby store who sells it. Here is a PDF of your Aristocraft 0-4-0 switcher > http://www.aristocraft.com/techinfo/pdf/040.pdf There is a screw on page #2 which I belive may set the back lash on the motor, too tight and it may not move smoothly, too loose and it may loose contact. Here is a article on how the Aristocraft pick up system works which may help you further > http://www.aristocraft.com/techinfo/shoes.html This is about as far as I can help you, I know on my Mikado that failed, the motor block was not square with the motor.
Switcher EMD, Thanks, I actually found the parts diagram after I posted........wish I would have had it BEFORE I took it apart!!!:tb-shocked::tb-embarrassed: Anyway, I hadnt thought of an autoparts store......Ill check that out. I will dissasemble again, and take the front drive block apart...I think If I can clean it up, and redo the conductive grease....it will help.. As a last resort.....I will order a replacement drive set......not too expensive, and I could always adapt it, or the old one to a battery drive for a track cleaning car( future project) Again, thanks for the info!!!!!
