Class 37

[Penny well]

I have  a lima class 37 the ringfield motor doesn't work on the track but if I apply direct power to the contacts the motor runs fast and quiet. I have cleaned and serviced the motor any ideas.

[Chrissaf]

You say contacts ....what contacts do you mean ... the contacts on the motor itself ... the pickups on the wheels .... somewhere else entirely?

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If you mean the contacts on the motor itself, then you need to trace back the electrical route between the motor contacts and the wheels. Using your power wires to test again at anywhere in that electrical route where there is a bared contact area to touch.

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There might be a broken wire (a common fault) or it might be the wheel pickups themselves. Or even just dirty wheels that need cleaning, including the part of the wheels where the pickups touch (usually the backs, but not always).

[ColinB]

Check the connection on the non powered bogie, it has a habit of snapping off. Unfortunately, you generally cannot see it, so if you look from inside the body all looks well. If it is the same as mine the bogie is held in by spring clip.

[Penny well]

Thanks Chrissaf and Colin B tried everything both of you suggested but still no joy motor runs with direct contact electric but still not on the track 

[EnGee]

Is this the only train you have?

Has the track got power on it?

 

Sorry if this sounds silly but always best to start with the easy things!

[RDS]

Sorry but it is still not obvious where are you have been applying power (as Chris says above).

If you have been applying power direct to the motor and that works, then check that the wires from the motor to the wheel pick ups are in place.  Next check that the pickups making good contact against the wheels correctly.

Also as Engee says, check the track is receiving power.

[Going Spare]

Lima locomotives used pick-ups that bear on the axles of both bogies rather than the wheels.  They are therefore hidden from view and the motor needs removing from its bogie frame and the bottom clip taken off the non-powered bogie to see them.

[Ruffnut Thorston]

It is also possible that one or both of the trailing bogie wheels are in the wrong way around, and causing a short circuit on the track, tripping out the controller, so that nothing works.

 

The insulated wheels of the trailing bogie should be on the opposite side to the motor bogie traction tyres I believe...