After putting the trucks back together I now get power from only one side of each truck.
The power blocks in question are I believe 2nd generation.They have lashing screws at both ends of truck, plastic inserts on the wheel faces,and the axles extend into the side frames.
The problem is with the trucks assembled there is only power pick-up from one side of each truck. If I put power directly to the wires from the motors they run fine. Once reconnected to the plug in panel I can only pick up power if I supply to both trucks, fortunately they pick-up from opposite sides. i.e. positive is picked up by two wheels on one truck, negative is picked up from two wheels on other truck.
And although this would allow me to run the unit on track with no problem I know I should be getting pick-up from all 8 wheels.
These trucks were thoroughly torn down,painted,serviced, and tweeked ala George Schreyers web page. The wheels were randomly replaced in the motor blocks as were the brass strips for pick-up and wiring harnesses. So random selection shouldn’t be the problem. If I try to cause a short on the dead side of either truck by contact through the wheels there’s no juice getting through. The only thing I haven’t done so far is remove the bearings for cleaning between those and the wire lead rings behind them.
Does any body have any Ideas? All input greatly appreciated. Hope I have provided a clear understanding of the problem.
Dave
Hi, David.
Have you seen this website?
http://www.aristocraft.com/articles/locomotive%20upgrades/F%20unit%20upgrade/index.html
I skimmed the article, but I think I saw something about old trucks with side frame problems…
I was initially confused by “F unit” (as in GM EMD) in your subject line. I think you meant FA-1 (as in ALCO).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Joe,
Thanks for the response. I’m hoping to rebuild the trucks I have and thought someone here would be able to give me a heads up on what to do.The link you sent has been saved just in case.
Dave