Author Topic: How can I troubleshoot and repair a locomotive short? (Read 632 times)

tyler livingston · « **on:** December 16, 2015, 10:23:45 am »

Hi all,

My dad set up his 1953 (I think) Lionel set for Christmas like he does every year. It ran a few times and then "just stopped on the track" a few days ago.

I stopped over and took a look and it seems that there is a short in the locomotive (4-6-4 Hudson 2055). I checked voltages on the transformer (4090) and all were within half a volt of the stated voltage. I verified getting 15V between the middle and outer track rails. I can get the tender (6026W) to whistle. As soon as I put the engine on the track I get continuity between the track rails, and I also get continuity between the wheels and the center rail rollers when the locomotive is off the track.

I'm a tinkerer of other things but this is the first I've looked into his trains. I've looked over the repair guide someone posted from an old Popular Science. Can anyone give me some tips on where to start looking or disassembly guides?

Thanks,
Tyler

djacobsen · « **Reply #1 on:** December 16, 2015, 05:00:51 pm »

Tyler
Hello and Welcome to the Forum!

My recommendation is to remove the shell from the locomotive and check all of the wiring for a wear spot in the insulation.
Your train is at least 52 years old and it is possible that enough wear has slowly occurred over the decades to create a bare spot on a wire causing it to short out on the frame, motor or shell.
Check the wiring out and let us know.

Happy Rails!
Dave

mewade30 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2016, 10:55:06 pm »

I would start out by cleaning the brushes for the motor.

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Author Topic: How can I troubleshoot and repair a locomotive short? (Read 632 times)

tyler livingston

How can I troubleshoot and repair a locomotive short?

djacobsen

Re: How can I troubleshoot and repair a locomotive short?

mewade30

Re: How can I troubleshoot and repair a locomotive short?

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