FROM: N.Y.C.T.L. TERMINAL YARD SHOP FOREMAN
TO: SHOP FOREMAN
SUBJECT: FLEET LOCOMOTIVE REPAIRS
1. The N.Y.C.T.L. Shop forces recently addressed two mechanical failures of it's locomotive fleet. The first incident was the poor performance and poor electrical pick up of NYC SD9 #9833 (Atlas SD24) which was being tested as part of a proposed rebuilding and repainting project. The second was the poor performance and grinding sounds emitting from PC GP38-2 8148 (Bachmann). The N.Y.C.T.L. Shops have identified the issues and are passing along this service bulletin as it is believed some of you have similar locomotives in your fleet.
2. NYC SD9 #9833 (Atlas) being test with PC SD35 #6309 (Atlas) was found to be running very poorly and unable to speed match with the SD35 which is of similar vintage. 9833 was brought into the shop and overhauled. The following issues were noted and corrected. (A) corrosion motor wiring terminals where joiner connects to motor. (B) gunk on wheel wipers and back of wheels. (C) Loose flywheel. The flywheel was reattached to the motor with a drop of CA. The terminals were lightly wire brushed and cleaned with an alcohol swab. The wheels were removed from the trucks by prying off the retainer from the bottom. The wheels and wipers were cleaned with an alcohol swab. The unit was put back together and lubricated. Testing of the 9833 showed a marked running improvement and m.u. compatibility with the 6309. A parts drawing is attached for reference.
3. SAFETY WARNING #1: ATLAS YELLOW BOX SD35s AND SD24s. Use extreme caution when working on these engines as some of the plastic parts under the shell that hold the wires and wheel wipers were extremely brittle.
4. SAFETY WARNING #2: ATLAS YELLOW BOX SD35s AND SD24s. It has been discovered that the placement of the engine light in these engines is right under the cab hood. (not shown in diagram) and the heat build up from these old school bulbs will in fact melt the top of the cab. The N.Y.C.T.L. has removed the bulbs from the SD35 (after the top melted a bit) and the SD24.
5. PC GP38-2 #8148 (Bachmann DCC on Board) (Run #K090930 on bottom of fuel tank). While in consist with GP38-2 8150 and GP40 3007 #8148 was found to be running poorly with an audible grinding noise. The engine was brought into the shop and the troubleshooting showed that the rear drive shaft coupling was spinning freely on the metal shaft that connects it to the gear box. A drop of CA on the metal shaft and the replacement of the coupling have cured this issue. Allow the CA to cure before operating. A parts diagram of an older GP40 has been attached although the gear tower assembly is a bit vague in the drawing.
6. This is the second occurrence of this type on a Bachmann DCC engine. The first units affected were NYC RF16s. They were repaired in the same way and continue to run well.
7. Submitted for your information.
J.T.R.
Shop Foreman
N.Y.C.T.L.
Terminal Yard Shop
I'm getting to like more recent Bachmanns. I just got a DC only GP38-2 to install a better decoder than the factory one; also in recent months I've gotten DC only GP40s. Unlike the parts diagram version, these have flywheels and 8-pin sockets, and the paint is REALLY good.
ReplyDeleteOn most of my locos with incandescent bulbs, I line the insides of the shells in the bulb area with aluminum foil, stuck on with a small dab of silicone caulk.
o far, I've tended not to run my locos a whole lot -- concentrating more on finishing scenery in a lot of areas, so I don't know if I'll get similar problems on my Bachmann units.
Hi John, Excellent tip on the use of foil with a dab silicon! I'll definitely give that a try. Big fan of the recent Bachmanns myself. As reported both the RF16s and GP38-s suffered the same issue. Both engines were run quite a bit before this issue was noticed. Pretty much an easy fix. Causation appears to be a slippery plastic coupling pressure fit onto smooth metal shaft that over time loosens up especially when under load.
DeleteFigured I put this shop bulletin up as I know you and PC Ralph both have the Bachmann units.
I thought I'd show a couple of my Bachmann projects. http://modelrrmisc.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-couple-of-bachmann-projects.html
ReplyDeleteChecked out your blog posts. Some very nice projects and interesting information on the SJVR.
DeleteSounds like the maintenance department has its work cut out for them. Maybe some of the work can be farmed out? You're coming into the busy season on the NYCTL and I hear there's some heavy freight coming your way from up north.
ReplyDeleteThe N.Y.C.T.L. shop personnel are enjoying the three day weekend off. Starting Tuesday shop personnel will begin working two voluntary overtime shifts per week. This should handle the preparations for getting the motive power fleet ready for the expected increased freight traffic. Management is in contact with interchange partners and looking into pool power agreements as well to ease the power burden.
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