Help needed with new Hornby train from eBay!

[tadhg -1236227]

Hi! I’m new to this forum and I’m looking for some help, I recently bought a new Hornby train ( a 2-6-4 Fowler tank ) from eBay, when it had first arrived it was in perfect working order and able to pull all of my loads, it suddenly got very weak in the middle of running a few days after and when I let it run on its own it got slower and weaker and could barely handle curves, yet I could still hear the motor whirring in tune with the amount of power I put it.

I’ve suspected a loose gear is the problem but I haven’t opened it up to look yet, could anybody tell me what’s up with it if they know?

Thank you.

[Going Spare]

Hornby have made 3 versions of the Fowler tank, each with a different motor and gears, You describe it as new so I am assuming it is the latest type, in which case it may be a split or displaced gear on the driven wheelset. If it is a split gear, the repair will not be easy or cheap, so I would suggest you contact the seller to obtain a remedy.

[96RAF]

Service sheet 317 may help you identify parts.

[ColinB]

Sadly with this loco the gear on the wheel axle has a habit of splitting. It depends on your level of competency, the easiest fix other than sending it back is to buy a new set of wheels although I notice the usual sources don't have them. The next thing is get the wheels off which you will have done to check if the gear is split. Remove the gear by removing the wheel off the axle and count the number of teeth. Not many people seem to know this, but quite often that gear wheel is the same physical part as the Duchess/Rebuilt Merchant Navy intermediate gear X8849. Alternatively get a brass one off Ultrascale Products.

[atom3624]

Do you know which gear it is?

Gear 'set' here:

X9181 Hornby Spares - Gear Assembly - Class 4P/ Q1 / Fowler 2-6-4T (newmodellersshop.co.uk)

Have a look through the list here for metal replacement gears if its the final drive gear on the axle:

https://www.ultrascale.uk/eshop/products/CAT015#RTRRG

For this, before you start, you'll need to have a 2.5mm hex/nut driver for removal of the coupling / connecting rod retaining screws on wheels.

Also, check out QUARTERING. It will require the very gentle and careful removal of one wheel at least to permit placement of the new part - assuming the old 'falls off'.

It's not difficult, just requires care. Quartering is very important for smooth operation.

Al.