[imatt88]

Hey all,


I finally got my first locomotive since 1980 I believe its GP-35 or 38. Its in the silver and red markings of Santa Fe. It has Life Like stamped on the bottom, with a number 24192 on it as well.

I don't know if the number means anything or not.

Anyway......whats a good way to check the engine to see if it actually runs, and what would be a good way to clean the motors/wheels etc. She's pretty dirty.

One step closer to my first setup in 30 years....:thumbsup:

Cheers, Ian

 

[subwayaz]

If you have a piece of track you can hook up a 9 volt battery via two wires one to each rail of the track and lightly touch the wheels of the loco to it and see what you get.
You won't get full service from it but you should be able to see signs of life.

Life like I have never taken apart but look from the bottom to see what is hold it together have some toothpicks handy and see if the couplers may need to come off prior to attempting to pry the shell off.
Alcohol and some Q Tips can aide you in cleaning the loco up once apart.

Be careful to take note of how it finally does come apart; so you can reassemble it in reverse.
Don't forget to have some light weight oil around for lube on your bearings, and also a light weight white grease for your gears.

But ALWAYS NOTE how things are taken apart

 

[imatt88]

Yeah, I definately see where that could be a problem.:laugh:

What are the little rubber things on the wheels? They look like elastic bands that orthodontists use on braces. They ones on my train are all rotted and broken.

Any recommendations on where I can get some?


Cheers, Ian

 

[subwayaz]

Yeah, I definately see where that could be a problem.:laugh:

What are the little rubber things on the wheels? They look like elastic bands that orthodontists use on braces. They ones on my train are all rotted and broken.

Any recommendations on where I can get some?


Cheers, Ian

Those should be Traction tires you can pick up some new ones from your Hobby Shop. They come in two types one for Diesels and one for Steamers. They run about $1.5-2.5

If you don't have a local hobby shop then check on MB Klein they also carry them

 

[imatt88]

:thumbsup: