Large Scale Central

Aristo Mallet worry

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

Evening All! Well I thought I had read just about everything ever written about the Aristo Mallet but it didn’t prepare me for this:

Just purchased (history unknown) 21601 dated 2006 (yes I know, first run). It looked a bit sorry and needs a very good clean. After oiling all round, it actually runs nicely with test 19.2v battery. Forward without lights its drawing 2.4 amps falling to 1.6 after 60 secs. Forward with lights more like 2.8 amps falling to 1.5. But what is this yawning hole at the front of the rear motor block?

A design fault? Manufacturing/assembly fault? Bodged repair? The material on the sides looks like black insulating tape! Its certainly not weather-proof. I tried to compare it with the front motor block. Although its difficult to see, it also looks as if there is some daylight between the inside and the back of the front cover plate. Can any Mallet owners please tell me if I should I be worried? Very? Or just happy? Many Thanks Mike

#2

I have a Mallet that has the same thing both front and back. I do not know why but my mallet ran fine untill this past summer. I think it is now binding with the drive rods. Have to get it fixed.

#3

Michael,
much was written of this back in the ‘early’ days. Some saw it as a criticism, when reported and others simply ignored the look. From memory, some modified with either black plastic tape or a styrene cover to disguise the motor end.

#4

Yup, please see my response to your query back on G Scale Central. Bleeve me, when there is only one answer to your question, it’s the only one you’ll see, no matter where you go. :slight_smile:

tac
www.ovgrs.org
www.gscalecentral.co.uk
www.mylargescale.com 1st Class Member

#5

“I have a Mallet that has the same thing both front and back. I do not know why but my mallet ran fine untill this past summer. I think it is now binding with the drive rods. Have to get it fixed.”

A pretty easy fix. You’ll likely find one or more of the screws holding the drive wheels to the axel has come loose, allowing the wheel to turn.

  1. Drop the rods.
  2. Take out any screws that are loose. Clean all the gunk off the screw, star washer and out of the hole.
  3. Use something small like a toothpick to put some blue locktite in the screwhole.
  4. Carefully position the wheel on the axel. You can use the rod to help you get it positioned right.
  5. Put the screw and star washer back in and REALLY TORQUE IT DOWN.

There is some debate over the type of locktite to use. I like blue on since I’ll probably have to take it apart someday. Some prefer red. I think I’ve done all now. Might have saved time to do all 16 when I first noticed the problem.

#6

Hmmmmm.
Innerestting the Polk would expose that stuff to the elements.

#7

They are all like that I have had two the same way!! I just taped em up with black electricians tape!! Regal

#8

Thanks very much to all.

Its very reassuring to know that others have coped with this OK.

Just Off to get some electrician’s black tape then.

Mike

#9

He didn’t see it till the first production locos arrived. Was supposed to be a surface mount capacitor, but substituted at the last minute at the factory.

#10

I recommend lapping the wheel to the axle before reassembly. The fit is normally poor. That’s why Aristo tries to “glue it on” with red loctite.

Tom is right about using blue, not only from experience, but also from the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Regards, Greg

#11

I usually find a loose wheel has the screw securely glued to the wheel.

#12

I’m always being accused of having a screw loose.

tac
www.ovgrs.org

#13

Terry…it may not be the screw that’s loose, it might be the nut…!!!

#14

I’m thinking “breasts” big,small,perky,tall I like them all said the “Cat in the hat”
:slight_smile:

#15

Aaaah!!! Bitty. My favourite subject.