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Engine compatibility

2K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  stationmaster 
#1 ·
Newby here.

I've been running an older Model Power #6730 Santa Fe F3 locomotive, along with a matching dummy, for some time with my grandson and we have a good time. I found a few more cars at a local garage sale that fit with what I had so I added them. I decided that I'd like a little more power to pull everything so I bought a "B" unit, Model Power #840 A, off eBay. Now I have a problem for which I'm hoping someone can provide a solution or some insight.

1) When both engines are on the track but uncoupled, the F3 takes off and gets to a pretty good speed before the "B" engine starts moving.

2)Once the "B" engine starts moving, it will not run at the same speed as the F3.

3)When coupled together, the F3 strains just trying to pull the "B" engine alone.

I did notice that when I put the "B" engine on the track for the first time and ran it across a re-railer, there was a lot of resistance to rolling free as compared to my 6730 F3.

What can anyone tell me about the compatibility of these two? Any chance I receive "B" engine that left the manufacturer with some defects? With the "B" in the full train; nothing moves. Any information will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ed in NE Kansas
 
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#2 ·
Ed,

Lightly lube the B-unit, run by itself for a bit. It MAY come around. No guarantees. It may just be a bit corroded and "stiff" from years of non-use. It is well known and has been noted on these boards that HO engines do not age well when not used.

Keep a regular maintenance schedule. I clean my engines about every two weeks and lube as needed. No real rule of thumb that I know of.
 
#4 ·
Welcome to the forum.

All you need is a really light, plastic compatible machine oil. I use Wahl Hair Clipper oil for the motor and Lube-it 8 for bearings and gears. A little goes along way so use it sparingly. Once oiled, for a little used engine I will prop it up off of its wheels, hook up power to the motor and run it 1 hour forwards and one hour in reverse to lap the gears in. You may get them to run together, they may be the same make but two different types of drives if they are far enough apart in age, anything's worth a shot.
 
#5 ·
Station Master,

I took your advice. Took the body off the chassis, and then took the trucks apart. I lightly oiled the gears and the "bearing" surfaces. I put it all back together and gave it a trial run. It takes off the instant I put any juice to it. I set it and the 6730 180* apart from each other to see which would close ground on the other. Now the B unit is the faster of the two. Guess that means I better oil the A unit.:D Thanks again.

Ed
 
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