Large Scale Central

No rear brushes on LGB Forney

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

I purchased this LGB Forney brand new from the local train shop in Kirkland a couple years ago but have not run it very much until yesterday. Because it is so much work to put up our Christmas layout my wife doesn’t mind if I keep the track up for a month or so after the holidays. I then bring up different locomotives and rolling stock to run them on the layout. I brought this forney up to run and noticed immediatly that it was running kind of jerky. So, I turned if over and was suprised there were no brushes on the rear wheels. They are wired for brushes and have the recpticle on either side that holds them… just no brushes. I have never had the rear wheels off and can’t imagine how they could possibly just fall out. But, they are not there. Is it possible to get just the brushes anywhere?

#2

Try Train-Li USA
Mike

#3

LGB brushes are common as heck…But there are two sizes! Make sure Train-Li knows you need them for the Forney.

#4

As Mark stated there are two length brushes, 14 mm and 16 mm. This model was the first Chinese produced version dated around 2004/2005. It obviously was intended to have brushes fitted. Brushes from USA Trains or the old Aristo version would also fit.

#5

I’m pretty sure I have some. If I remember to check they are yours.

Terry

#6

Sweet! Thanks Terry.

#7

Hi Terry

Was wondering if you found the brushes. Thanks so much for the offer

#8

Forgot to look. I’ll check in the am,

#9

Tore my shop apart and I cannot find them. I know I didn’t throw them away (i don’t throw anything away!) but they have fallen into the black hole of train parts…
sorry. if they turn up they are still yours if you need them.

Terry

#10

Thanks Terry. I purchased some.

However, much to my surprise when I pulled the wheels off…there actually are brushes there. However, they are either completely worn flat or both sides are pushed in flush.

How do I get these things out?

#11

anyone?

#12

Poke them in a tiny bit and see if the spring will force it out. If not, a little solvent? The spring may be collapsed too. Tap lightly on the side?

Greg

#13

Thanks Greg. Poking them did nothing as they were completely worn down to the nubs. I was able to stick a needle nose plies in and pull them out a big in order to get a large pliers on them to pull them out completely.

I replaced the pulled ones with the new ones. Shoved them in tight. However, they do not seem to make any contact.

#14

Check the spring tension… check to see that the housing inside is clean.

I’d believe that maybe it overheated, which took the tension out of the springs.

So do the brushes feel springy? Do they reach to the back of the wheels?

Greg

#15

The reason those brushes were not touching the wheels is someone tried to install the axle without removing the side frames.

The wheel sheared off the carbon looking contact when installed.

Or these were broken off to reduce drag.

I use an exacto knife to get the rod inside the barrel and then install the axle. I do this by just loosening the side frame so i can twist it. Of course I do this quite often, so I have developed a knack for doing it.