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Post by desrailway on Aug 18, 2024 16:45:41 GMT
I got an MTH RailKing Scale C628 (Illinois Central) for Christmas. Love it.
Yesterday it was running smoothly, when suddenly sparks started to come from its wheels.
Shut things down - checked the wiring: no issues, cleaned the track, ran another engine: no issues. Put our C628 back on the track, and sparks are flying again. No apparent issues or defects on the engine or its wheels.
Any ideas what might be going on?
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Post by david1 on Aug 18, 2024 16:53:13 GMT
Check the sides of the wheels to see if it picked up something metallic like a screw, brad, or a bit of metal. Also try cleaning the rollers.
Dave
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Post by JKP on Aug 18, 2024 16:57:29 GMT
The first thing I would check is to make sure all the wheels are spinning. A seized wheel being dragged will cause sparks. I'm assuming it starts to spark when you use the throttle, not when its idling. Loose wire will also cause spark, you said you checked the wiring (under the shell)
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Post by harmonyards on Aug 18, 2024 20:40:17 GMT
If you’re not experiencing any other symptoms, such as power drop outs, or stalls, then take a good look at the wheels and the pick up rollers. Sparks that occur on an otherwise fine running locomotive are caused by losing momentary connections, ie; the wheels & pick up rollers. Start simple. You’ve mentioned you’ve cleaned the track, how about the wheels of the engine, and the pick up rollers? Be sure they’re clean & lubricated, Do not be afraid to put a tiny drop of oil on the axle of the pickup roller. Conductive oil is preferred, but your normal oil will help you diagnose the problem. If after a good cleaning & lube, the problem seems to be subsiding, repeat at least the cleaning process……..If the sparks persist same as before cleaning, we need to dive in a little deeper,…..could be loose wiring, broken wire on a pick up roller, broken ground wire, the list goes on & on,…but remember the KISS principle, start with easy,……
Pat
The Water Level Route
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Post by desrailway on Aug 20, 2024 0:32:17 GMT
Thanks for all the replies!
Dropping our daughter off at college this week.
Will try these solutions out when we get back.
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Post by curtis on Aug 26, 2024 13:05:54 GMT
Tighten the Pickup roller mounting screws. Had same problem!
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Post by Adam on Aug 26, 2024 23:38:25 GMT
Thanks for all the replies! Dropping our daughter off at college this week. Will try these solutions out when we get back. I did that last week as well. We are officially empty nesters! Bitter sweet feeling. |
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Post by curtis on Aug 27, 2024 15:42:32 GMT
When my I dropped my youngest off to college I was single and balled all the way home. Empty was scary and silent. Fortunately I have since remarried and now they all come home with their families but I do Cherish the times with the grandchildren and them.
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Post by atsda on Aug 28, 2024 16:25:48 GMT
That's a big event - no, not getting rid of the sparks; but taking your daughter to college. Best wishes for her. Alfred
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Post by ron045 on Aug 29, 2024 23:09:27 GMT
By chance is this happening on a turnout or on regular track? Sounds like a short somewhere. If it's random, then it would most likely be something on the loco.
Taking my kid back next week. Senior Year.
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