|
|
Post by southernz on Dec 12, 2022 15:12:26 GMT -5
Hi fellow modellers!
I need some help, working on a modular layout which I love, BUT being new to Z, my engines run very 'jerky' and not smooth, remedies?
Using a Marklin white power pack on US voltage, could voltage be the cluprit? The loop I'm running on using Rokuhan track is relatively small with 2 power drops, would it help to solder all rail joints?
How do you get smooth running?
Thank you!
Lee in NC
|
|
|
|
Post by southernz on Dec 12, 2022 15:19:53 GMT -5
2 modules Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by cwrr on Dec 12, 2022 15:32:11 GMT -5
Wow, love your modules, especially the farm one!
Start with the basics, make sure track is clean, wheels are clean on loco, etc.
What type of loco and manufacturer? Some locos take a bit of run time to clear up any issues, some older ones may have hardened oil/grease which makes it run rough.
|
|
|
|
Post by southernz on Dec 12, 2022 15:34:16 GMT -5
thanks!
one is a new azl sw1500, BEAUTY, so maybe running in needed, other is a Micro Trains F7 which has been stored 10 years, so yeah maybe some maintenance there
|
|
|
|
Post by shamoo737 on Dec 12, 2022 19:37:12 GMT -5
Maybe you can buy a good locomotive. It maybe hard to find, but GP35’s are great runners. I use to tell me if it’s the track is the problem. As always, clean your track before running, and the engine is lubricated.
|
|
|
|
Post by shamoo737 on Dec 12, 2022 19:48:09 GMT -5
On the Dinner module, I see some gravel very close to the rails. That could cause it to run rough. Also, clean the inner portion of the rails also, because the wheels pickup power from the side of the wheels also.
|
|
|
|
Post by cwrr on Dec 13, 2022 10:30:07 GMT -5
The AZL loco probably needs some good run time, forward for a little bit, then reverse for a little bit.
The Micro Trains F-unit on the other hand, needs alot more help-probably old gummed up grease in it. Not very good runners to begin with.
They're ok, but a nice AZL F3 or the newer F-7's would be nice.
|
|
|
|
Post by BAZman on Dec 16, 2022 14:23:02 GMT -5
WAIT ! Key words: Märklin power pack on US voltage.
Does the power pack have EU round plug? Does the power pack label say ~220 volts???
If so, the train voltage will be half.
Otherwise, the age of these trains woul likely dirty wheels. #1 problem behind dirty track. And age makes it even harder to get all the oxidation and ‘crud’ off. Alcohol pad (2cm square) or T-shirt (polyester, not cotton [many loose fibers in cotton] with a few drips of alcohol will help. Hold 1 truck over the pad for a few seconds, then the other. If ‘really’ dirty, “1” drop of Goof-Off will clean it. Use a alcohol pad after.
Do NOT use the Trix Wire Brush wheel cleaner on AZL locomotives!!! It can easily damage traction tires.
|
|
|
|
Post by husafreak on Dec 17, 2022 11:34:24 GMT -5
FWIW my new AZL SW1500 is not a particularly smooth runner. Before or after DCC conversion. It is well broken in both directions. Wheels cleaned. Track scrupulously cleaned as described in Jeff's post. Next step for me is lubrication and maybe pull the trucks and see that everything spins freely. Also there are a couple of points on my test loop curves where it hangs up at track joints. Close inspection of track shows the dreaded Rockuhan warp. I will tack those down today but this new AZL is the only loco I have bothered by that. So it is sensitive to track imperfections.
Let me be more specific, it actually does run smoothly, and slowly, but it stutters at joints or sometimes random spots and often stops and requires a push to get going again, or if I stop and change directions it won't move, again requiring the "hand of god". My guess is there is some restriction in the driveline, and my experience is this type of running is often solved by simple disassembly and reassembly.
|
|
Kez
Engineer
Posts: 203
Member is Online
|
Post by Kez on Dec 17, 2022 12:14:39 GMT -5
husa,
It could also be the fuel tank dragging. That's the problem we've had. The fuel tank on the SWs is VERY close to the rails, and any imperfection in rail height or gauge will make it hang up (they really don't like Marklin expansion tracks). Luckily, a few swipes with a file on the bottom usually does the trick. Let us know.
|
|
|
|
Post by macgwyn on Dec 18, 2022 16:24:12 GMT -5
thanks! one is a new azl sw1500, BEAUTY, so maybe running in needed, other is a Micro Trains F7 which has been stored 10 years, so yeah maybe some maintenance there |
|
|
|
Post by macgwyn on Dec 18, 2022 16:33:32 GMT -5
Ditto to trouble with the AZL SW1500 - tried seemingly endless fixes and finally gave up, the example I purchased is just not a smooth running loco. AZL F-3, F-7 and GP-38 are all great runners. I'm also new to Z after decades of modeling in N Scale. As for track cleaning, I've had good luck using Rail-Zip 2. Just a dab on both rails maybe every 4 feet or so... and let the engine run through it.
|
|
|
|
Post by husafreak on Dec 19, 2022 13:49:48 GMT -5
husa, It could also be the fuel tank dragging. That's the problem we've had. The fuel tank on the SWs is VERY close to the rails, and any imperfection in rail height or gauge will make it hang up (they really don't like Marklin expansion tracks). Luckily, a few swipes with a file on the bottom usually does the trick. Let us know. Thanks Kez, that was it! After a couple dozen swipes of my fuel tanks across my sanding board the loco runs freely. I did notice on close inspection that the tanks even have a ridge running around them at the front and back which had some scuff marks. So probably just removing the ridge would do the trick. Very close tolerances indeed, but it looks great so the low profile is forgiven. Maybe AZL should put that out just in case there are others secretly wishing the SW series was a little more track friendly. Cheers. |
|
|
|
Post by zscalehobo on Dec 20, 2022 21:04:26 GMT -5
husa, It could also be the fuel tank dragging. That's the problem we've had. The fuel tank on the SWs is VERY close to the rails, and any imperfection in rail height or gauge will make it hang up (they really don't like Marklin expansion tracks). Luckily, a few swipes with a file on the bottom usually does the trick. Let us know. Thanks Kez, that was it! After a couple dozen swipes of my fuel tanks across my sanding board the loco runs freely. I did notice on close inspection that the tanks even have a ridge running around them at the front and back which had some scuff marks. So probably just removing the ridge would do the trick. Very close tolerances indeed, but it looks great so the low profile is forgiven. Maybe AZL should put that out just in case there are others secretly wishing the SW series was a little more track friendly. Cheers. Husafreak: The specialist dealers should know about this. Here's a before (out of focus - sorry) and after shot showing the added clearance of completely removing the feature. The customer requested the entire feature be removed as opposed to rail-thick channels just above both rails. He was bottoming-out on his R063 Flyover set and this solved the problem. BEFORE removal of the features:  AFTER removal of the features:  |
|
|
|
Post by husafreak on Dec 21, 2022 11:07:25 GMT -5
Great pics Frank!, thanks for the "assist".
I could have called you about this, having purchased the loco "NO TEST" back in January. Come to think of it a test back then may have exposed the problem. But for me it only showed up at two track intersections on my R245 loop recently. Cheers!
|
|
