Large Scale Central

LGB Mogul Idler Gear Questions?

Problem Solving
#1

We have a new LGB D&RG mogul now changed to a Disneyland Railroad mogul which will be run a lot in our program and have some questions for those who may have some knowledge (since my knowledge on moguls is a bit lacking). Does anyone know how much strain the idler gears on the LGB (original German) Moguls can handle? How many LGB 4 axle coaches can they handle (15 foot diameter curve) without damage to the idler gears? Also with momentum and no grades and under a normal enviroment with 5 cars (if that’s not to many as I have heard a lot of stories of damage to idler gears by pulling too many cars) How long will the idler gears last? (approx.) Last but not least, is there any way to protect the idler gears from ever being damaged (short of routine greasing)? Anyone have any experiences or has had to replace them? Ken

#2

Ken,
I have a 1986 Mogul with the original gears in it. It routinely pulled 7 or 8 cars.
If your unit is new, lube it with LGB gear grease and run it.
I’ve seen these have the wheels run right off of them (literally–I used to repair them for local restaurants).
If you are worried, PM me. I have tons of new Idler gears for a mogul.
Just run and enjoy it.

#3

Ken and all:
John is absolutely correct: Lube ALL LGB products before running. I have opened at least 60 locos that were new at the Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA. over the last two years. When they came into the train shed, I opened them up and affirmed the conclusion repeatedly – they need grease and light oil on the drive lines. I use, per Ron Gibson’s advice - former manager at LGB America - Mobil One synthetic grease and Mobil One synthetic motor oil (15/40 weight). They are both synthetic and compatible with plastic. Also, there is NO comparison for dollar value cost.
Wendell

#4

Appreciate the response guys. It’s just that I have been told numerous times that a large number of idler gears have been going out on these locomotives over the years due to too many cars being pulled. I have been wondering if this is true and if it is, what are they doing wrong? If not then that is the best news of all. It kinda sounds like what I have been hearing about the idler gears going bad may not be true??? Ken

#5

When lubing an engine, do not ‘soak’ it. A little goes a long way.

For some reason the lube does make into the motors and then heats up on the commutator and causes a short, poof goes the motor.

SO, a ‘little dab will do ya’

And do not grease axles, just use a tiny drop of oil, less is better here also.

#6

Dan, you’re speaking of the rods and valve gear, right? (external).
On the inside, I use a little LGB gear grease on the gears.

#7

Dan, John,
Thanks for your response and we do keep all gears and axles either greased or lubed properly. We do try to use as little as necessarry also. I am sure glad to hear about the lack of problems you have had. It sure is a pleasant ending to what others have said about these moguls. Thanks again! Ken

#8

Problems listed on locos can be misleading as all we hear is the bad news in the forums.

I would like to know how many Moguls were sold and how many problems people had. These engines have been sold for many years and some are bound to have failed.

Makes me remember that in the 60’s people complained that RCA tvs had a lot of failures. But they had 40 per cent of the tv market, so they must have had the most failures. Figures can be misleading at times unless you have all the data.