PAL Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 (a) I've dug out a 1970s Airfix Prairie which I hardly ran before putting it away for three decades. I've only just noticed that it has a single rubber or plastic traction tyre, on the rear left-hand driving wheel. There must have been a right-hand one - but perhaps not. It's not a terribly good runner, and I thought there might be a connection. I'd be grateful for members' suggestions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon A Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 If there is a groove in the right hand rear wheel then a traction tyre is missing. You could consider replacing the rear pair of wheels with a set from Hornby spares, or replace all the driving wheels with Romfords or Gibson wheels. Romfords are self quartering which Gibsons are not. Gordon A Bristol Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 There is only one traction tyre on these. Not having run for 30 years, she is probably in need of a service. The old lubricants will have solidified and gummed up the bearings. Cleaning and re-lubrication* should solve matters. They do tend to be noisy however (the body acts as a sounding box - mine is much quieter without it. (If anyone knows of a cure, I would be grateful - damping material does not seem to work.) * Plastic compatible lubricants are required. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 The same motor design is found in the N2, where it makes the very same coffee grinder noises. The ideal cure is to get the armature balanced and a new pair of closely toleranced motor shaft bearings made, and rebuild the motor with washers to reduce the end float. Then this motor is transformed into a quiet runner, matching the smooth and powerful on track performance it can deliver. Had this done back in the day to the N2 motor by the kind assistance of a precision machinist colleague. Trying to damp the body shell is not easy because it is a small fairly stiff structure directly coupled to the chassis, which efficiently transmits the vibration. Some lead sheet glued on with Evostick is your best bet; trouble is that increasing the weight will enhance vibration transmission to the track, making the baseboard a more effective sounding board for the motor vibration... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 I have several spare motors, perhaps I should do a bit of selection. I did try insulating the body from the chassis with paper (it's a tight fit with no space for anything else), but with only slight success. Ear plugs? but the real trouble is that SWMBO complains about the noise! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAL Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share Posted February 13, 2014 My thanks to contributors. Dumping the traction tyre made little difference but cleaning and re-aligning the contact wipers on the wheels did. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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