hornby 125

[durban shunter]

Ok first post on this site and i know that someone will give me the answer.
Deep breath!!!!! I have a inter city 125 oo gauge,when i put it on the lines nothing happens regarding movement,but the lights do come on in the cab. Now when i give the train a gentle push,off it goes in high or low speed with no problems. If i stop the train or try and change direction lifeless again!!
Should i change the motor,or is there something i can do to solve this problem.
Thanks in advance Charlie. :)

[Flashbang]

Hi
I assume this is a dc controlled layout/loco rather than DCC?

I would fully service the loco and its motor.

But first ensure all rails are clean - use a track rubber for this.
Next ensure you're not loosing power in any sections of track due to poorly fitting metal rail joiners (fishplates). This will be apparent by locos slowing or even stopping on specific sections of track.

Servicing the loco...
Clean all wheel tyres on the loco. Especially the power pick-up wheels. You can use the track rubber or a fibre pencil or a powered brush and scraper set like the Peco PL40. Ensure any rear of wheel wiping contacts are actually touching the inner face of the wheels including when the wheel moves slightly across the body. Also clean the inner faces of the wheels and the inside faces of the wipers. Use the fibre pencil.

With the locos body off, the motor will be visible, if you can see the commutator, this should be cleaned, again the fibre pencil is ideal for this. Check and if necessary replace any worn carbon motor brushes. Also ensure the brush springs are retaining the carbon brushes onto the comm correctly. If they are weak replace them. Note; most sealed 'Can' style motors are not serviceable! Apply a small amount of light oil (use oil specially sold for model railway servicing - Do not use WD40 or 3 in 1). Use a sewing pin dipped into the oil and then touched onto the place where the oil is required. Rule of thumb when lubricating.... "If you can see it, its probably too much!" Lubricate both ends or sides of the motor where the armature extends - the armature bearings. Lubricate all gear train pivots and if necessary apply a light special grease to the gear train teeth. Again this grease is sold by good model railway shops.

This may be the service sheet for your loco? Service Sheet (http://static.hornby.com/files/ss-266b-239.pdf)
Try motor on power. Reassemble and retest. :)

[durban shunter]

Hi F B, Thanks for your quick reply.

I would fully service the loco and its motor.---done

But first ensure all rails are clean - use a track rubber for this.
Next ensure you're not loosing power in any sections of track due to poorly fitting metal rail joiners (fishplates). This will be apparent by locos slowing or even stopping on specific sections of track.-----Brand new track.

With the locos body off, the motor will be visible, if you can see the commutator, this should be cleaned, again the fibre pencil is ideal for this. Check and if necessary replace any worn carbon motor brushes. Also ensure the brush springs are retaining the carbon brushes onto the comm correctly. If they are weak replace them. Note; most sealed 'Can' style motors are not serviceable! Apply a small amount of light oil (use oil specially sold for model railway servicing - Do not use WD40 or 3 in 1). Use a sewing pin dipped into the oil and then touched onto the place where the oil is required. Rule of thumb when lubricating.... "If you can see it, its probably too much!" Lubricate both ends or sides of the motor where the armature extends - the armature bearings. Lubricate all gear train pivots and if necessary apply a light special grease to the gear train teeth. Again this grease is sold by good model railway shops.
---once again done

I have tested on dc and dcc, like i say when you give the loco a gentle push it goes like the clappers. The loco is an older model,more sentimental value than anything else.

Once again thanks for your reply.
Charlie.

[Flashbang]

Hi
So I can assume all the wheel tyres are clean?

New rail should still have a track rubber rubbed over its top, as Nickel Silver rail tarnishes and will do so even in its box before use!

If the above doesn't improve things, then...
Try removing the motor unit and by using a pair of temporary wire leads connected to the controllers 'Track' output terminals. Turn the power on just a little and touch the other end of the wires onto.... a) The wheels then b) Directly onto the motor brush connections. Does the motor turn with both tests, just one or not at all? If it refuses to move at all, then carry out the same test again, but with a little more power applied. See what happens then?

It does rather sound that on dc the motors magnets may be weak or its an old 3 pole motor. In which case I would replace the motor or complete motor bogie with a replacement 5 pole version, obtainable from several spares suppliers like Abbiegails or East Kent Models etc....

Abbiegails (http://www.hornbyspares.com/)
East Kent Models (http://www.eastkentmodels.co.uk/)
Contact is best by phone!

If it was DCC fitted, then increasing the Start Voltage - CV2 could possibly overcome the motors 'sticktion'!