Lima Loco Service Guide

A guide I made many years back now, its a one off special service to get your Lima locos going far smoother than you ever expected possible :)
Please favorite this video so others can find it easily
Lima service guide:
1drv.ms/b/s!Ap...
No subscription required just download the file.
If you can post in the comments below if you download it ok that would be great.
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Class 73 special • Lima class 73 full det...

[@646klein]

what a handy video i just watched it after i spent 2 hours cleaning my locos today i now see how much i missed and never even thought about cleaning and will be trying this out on my class37 when it arrives

[@MikesMovies]

Hi, glad it helped! I still use the guide, put my very old Lima 09 through it and was amazed by how smooth she is now, probably better than any time in the past!

[@rossihenshall1055]

Hi Mike, Twittered you a day or so ago regarding the Hornby Western Harrier (moving VERY VERY slowly.) Cleaned it up and it still made a screeching sound and tended to slow down after a few circuits. Then greased the small cog (through the com) and low and behold, it seems as though it's freed itself and now running beautifully. Possibly due to it being stored away for many years! Thanks for all the visual help and have downloaded service sheet. Slowly getting through my other old locos. Thanks again. (Being in the Canary Isles leaves us a little beyond the help of model shops etc but your KZbin contributions are a God send!) Rossi

[@MikesMovies]

HI, glad it helped, yes those motor bearings need to be kept lubricated, but not too much as one end it can get on the commutator. We got on holiday to Lanzarote are you near there?

[@rossihenshall1055]

No, we're on Tenerife (20 years)...Not the touristy parts! Hence the outdoor railway with the weather. Lanzarote, one of the isles we've actually never been to. Have they got a model shop?!!!LOL

[@MikesMovies]

No model shop lol, great to meet you and thanks for supporting my channel

[@pss1967]

ThanksMmike for providing such a clear, easy to follow, and entertaining guide to servicing Lima locos. I was surprised at the amount of flash left on the gears, etc, no doubt as a result of the manufacturing process. Thanks to your guide, I know what to look out for when taking the motor/gears apart. Look forward to your next film. Regards, Paul

[@neilfarrar6217]

Thanks Mike, I found your information videos regarding Lima, exactly what I needed. Very helpful, thank you.

[@BritishRail60062]

Excellent video there mate. Despite what I have read on blogs and some forums. Lima models are very good for their age and in my view are better made than some of the Hornby Railroad models. The noise can be an issue on some models that have "gone dry" but if they are lubricated well, they are fairly quiet and in cold weather they can be a bit sluggish until the motor warms up. I am certain that if Lima modernised their range of British models to match their Class 67's. They would still be around to rival the like of Hornby and Bachmann ;).

[@MikesMovies]

Thanks very much! I love my Lima stuff :) I've found that this one off service brings them into line with most modern models. All they need after is a little re-oiling from time to time and they run smoothly in all conditions. Good luck with yours

[@danielsellers8707]

I think the Lima Class 67 still looks a bit cheap compared to the European models, their trademark yellow plastic moulding and self coloured ends right to the end. I read that Lima's UK importer had a hand in this specification as they were falling behind Bachmann at this time especially after the launch of the Bachmann Class 37 in 2003. Lima never manufactured in China before the Hornby takeover in 2004.

[@JPMiller14]

I have done a lot of work on about 10 Lima locos and on two so far, the un-smooth running on some was due to the backplate bushing. The motor axle at the comm end had slight play in the bushing. The motor ran lovely and smooth for a bit, but when the lube had got "thrown out" after some running, it went back to a rattly slow speed performance

[@MikesMovies]

That's odd, you could try a very small amount of of the gear lube there, it won't throw that off easily :)

[@JPMiller14]

On the two motors in question, the lube did no good after 5min running. I had the motor assembly running on the bench (croc clips from track to motor) and looking at the backplate, you could see the lube forming a swirling material around the motor axle, but if you increased the speed the lube eventually disappeared, leaving the axle spinning in a bushing that is fractions of a millimetre out, causing a wobble. Another thing I have come across is the loose fitting ring magnet. Can be made a nice secure fit with electrical tape around it. Anyway, without blabbering on any further, suffice to say, the better of the Lima motors I have done so far are running shockingly close at slow speed to the way a Bachmann loco does.

[@richardwood6376]

Thank you for your time in making this video. I was searching for details of the LIMA Class 42. I understand all that you had said and shown. The trouble I I cannot find a way of taking the body off. I bought mine many years, I hope you can help as I so much want to run this loco, The Royal Army Ordnance Corps, hauling a rake of BAOR coaches. I thank you for your time and help. Richard.

[@MikesMovies]

Hi Richard, I have never done it, but would imagine it just separates along the join, however a much easier option is to put the loco in a cradle wheels upwards, see the two screws at either end of the power bogie? Remove these and lift away the bogie frame, then wiggle the motor and wheels out of the chassis, no need to remove the body. If you have a look at my Lima class 73 video you will see what I mean :) give me a shout if you need help

[@leswall6293]

Great information enjoyed this one and the video where you show you doing the service

[@MikesMovies]

Glad it was helpful! we are over on Model Railways Unlimited these days

[@jondoe5895]

Hello Mike, Many thanks for your reply. I will give what you say a try, and see what happens !

[@MikesMovies]

Good luck Jon, maybe let us know here how you got on?

[@roydom5]

valuable resource, thanks so much for sharing your experience. Having crunching gear issues on my Swiss TEE EMU so hopefully this will lead to smoother running!

[@MikesMovies]

Best of luck! keep up with me over on Model Railways Unlimited

[@prusted]

Yes, download now works, many thanks.

[@MikesMovies]

You're welcome!

[@neiltaylor4009]

An extremely useful video and guide - thanks for taking the time to put them together 👍

[@MikesMovies]

+Neil Taylor Many thanks Neil.

[@robthomson2355]

Looks useful. I'm going to be using your guide to try and get a non-running HO scale Lima class 33 operational. I suspect it may need a new motor, but figured a thorough clean is a good starting place. Thanks!

[@MikesMovies]

Good luck, we have much more info over on Model Railways Unlimited

[@robthomson2355]

@@MikesMovies When I stripped the motor (following your instructions) I discovered that the main problem was a complete absence of brushes! While I await the arrival of a new pair, however, I'm cleaning the rest of it. I'll take a look at your other channel but generally youtube is a last resort for me rather than a first option. In this case I much prefer your wonderful PDF to the accompanying video. Many thanks!

[@FredWilbury]

Thank you ...just purchased a 52 in nice will give it a service using your tips !

[@MikesMovies]

+Fred' Shedding Well done and thanks, there is an update to this video now, link below

[@SP4275]

Hello Mike, thank you for this video. It is well presented and you mention quite a few tidbits on top of the document text (which I downloaded successfully).

[@MikesMovies]

Hi, thanks very much for the nice comments and I am very glad you found the guide helpful! I love my Lima stuff and after this one off service they run so much sweeter! good luck with yours

[@neil0131]

Hi Mike, Thanks for your very detailed KZbin guide. I have been given an old Lima 117 DMU with power car W51342 which looks excellent but does not run. I have removed the two self tapping screws from the underside but the body seems still to be attached at the two ends. I don't want to damage anything. Please advise how to remove.

[@MikesMovies]

Hi Neil, thanks, sorry missed this as I am over on Model Railways Unlimited these days. If you take the bottom screws off the bogie should be able to be jiggled out of the body.

[@neil0131]

@@MikesMovies Hi Mike, Following your message I have taken the two screws out of the bogie and I can wiggle the motor out. The problem I have is to remove the body shell from the chassis. I have removed the two screws from the chassis and I can pull the chassis out about 3mm in the centre, but the ends at the buffers are still locked into the body. It is very fragile and I am worried that I could break it. There are white deposits on the inside of the window which I want to clean off.

[@MikesMovies]

@@neil0131 Hi see this www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/9818-lima-class-117-body-removal/ Looks like you need to start at the corridor end and gently lever up, an old credit card might help?

[@neil0131]

@@MikesMovies Hi Mike, Thanks for your further information. I have now got it apart! Remove the 2 long screws in the centre of the chassis, remove the two screws from the motor bogie, wiggle out the motor, reach in to unclip the black corridor door, then from the outside push in the black latch tab that was hidden by the corridor whilst applying a little tension to separate the body from the chassis.

[@MikesMovies]

@@neil0131 Hi Neil, that's really good information thanks, do catch up with me over on kzbin.info

[@SARSteam]

Hi Mike, thanx for an informative video. I own several old Limas that is in dire need of a service like this! Thanx :D

[@MikesMovies]

+SARSteam Railways Thanks, there is an update video as well

[@MrTrikikki]

Excellent really, thanks so very much I am going to try it on italian E633 and ETR450

[@MikesMovies]

Thanks, good luck let me know how you get on

[@TIMMEH19991]

Cracking guide. Thanks for putting it together. Just one thing though, its a gear train, not chain LOL!

[@MikesMovies]

Thanks, glad it helped

[@MikesMovies]

chambs123 Hi, as you do videos like this I wondered how you felt about this one? I am planning a update soon actually showing the procedures on video. All the best.

[@MikesMovies]

@pss1967 Hi Paul, most kind of you and glad its been of help, I like the good simple Lima stuff and always will :)

[@railway187]

Thanks, very interesting 👍👍👍

[@MikesMovies]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@raws69]

Hi Mike, I just downloaded the file no worries (06-Feb-2015). Many thanks.

[@MikesMovies]

raws69 Great hope it helps

[@itloon]

Well planned system -I have a couple of these reluctant starting Limas (had assumed this was a gearing quirk) but were smooth once started. You made a video repairing a mates motor, will search for that, as it also was well made. (think their engine had actually seized). Not impressed with oil pens, so might change to different grades of the lube. Alan.

[@MikesMovies]

Cheers Alan, all these videos are in a playlist now to make it easy to find. Good luck with your services.

[@MikesMovies]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5CZZ4ynabOenac

[@itloon]

Thanks Mike - very useful viewing for any modeller.Alan.

[@mattcope2275]

Great video and publication. Thanks

[@MikesMovies]

Thanks Matt, all the best Mike

[@Alanbate100]

I have a Lima 37042 Mike. When its on the track, it is dead but when I lift the front set of wheels up, it comes to life. Then if I put just the left front wheels down, the wheels still turn. Put the right front wheels down and it is dead. Any ideas what could be wrong?

[@MikesMovies]

Sounds like a wire or connection has been crossed over. If you join facebook.com/ModelRailwaysUnlimited and post some internal photos we can try and help

[@waynzus]

Hi Mike, Thanks for the guide notes, they're very informative.

[@richardverghese1353]

i have lima n gauge class86 which is quite noisey what do i need to look at?

[@MikesMovies]

I don't know N gauge locos, might be the same as the OO ones

[@MikesMovies]

Hi all, maybe someone can help me? I am looking for a Lima class 31 chassis, don't need bogies or weights just a good condition chassis with buffers, if anyone has one mail me or reply here. Thanks

[@mad-max1829]

what oil do you use on the motor bearings, as you never said, is it same as the gears oil??

[@MikesMovies]

Medium oil or Label 102

[@johnmorrone1866]

Hi Great video. Could I have a copy please? Thanks

[@MikesMovies]

Yes, sure

[@greatnorthernrailwaytother4711]

Thank you Mike, downloaded successfully. Looks goo. I will give it a try tomorrow. Cheers Peter.

[@MikesMovies]

Great stuff

[@greatnorthernrailwaytother4711]

@@MikesMovies Yes. It made a big difference, very quiet.

[@andrewsclynch6668]

Hi do u still have a copy of the loco service sheet please

[@MikesMovies]

Hi Andrews I just checked the link in the decscription box and it works, that's the best way to get it. Many thanks

[@simonnomis5302]

hi can i have a copy ?...i m starting to collect lima sets...

[@MikesMovies]

Link in the description, please follow me over on Model Railways Unlimited

[@jeffbutler4067]

Hello Mike little help please I have been given a E 680 Lima Diesel. That came in couple of pieces after putting back together I find the front boggy wheels are not level . When on the track the front wheels do not let the wheels next in line to sit on the track, if I loosen the screw holding the front two boggy wheels it then sits down but the front wheels just keep coming of the track Regard Jeff

[@MikesMovies]

Hi Jeff, don't know this one at all, can you send photos of the issues?

[@jeffbutler4067]

@@MikesMovies Hi Mike thanks for the reply -how do I send you a photo?

[@bikerides]

A really useful and well presented guide.

[@gcmet1063]

Thank you for such detailed instructions which I followed and now the mechanism runs very well , the magnet seems very very weak causing the armature not to turn without assistance . I have tried remagnatising the magnet but is no improvement in the strength of the magnet . I not sure what do next , it is a Lima Deltic . David

[@MikesMovies]

Hi David, many thanks. The magnets never feel that strong to be honest and I have never known one to lose its power. I am wonder if there is something else at work here? the only other suggestion would be to obtain an old motor and use the parts or go for one of those upgraded motors? I am in West Sussex where are you?

[@gcmet1063]

Thanks for coming back to me , I'm in North Devon . I had also replaced the brushes and springs , looking at the magnet there is what looks like a crack at the top . When I did get the motor to run with assistance from me turning the gears there was a lot of sparks coming from the brushes . David

[@MikesMovies]

Something does not sound right at all, are you able to take some detail photos and a very short video clip of the issues and send to me to consider?

[@gcmet1063]

Yes I'll do that tomorrow . David

[@MikesMovies]

Cool, what loco is it? also what controller do you use on it?

[@MikesMovies]

@practice264 Thanks glad you found it helpful! I've sent the pdf as requested.

[@MikesMovies]

Hi guys, a new reliable download site is up for your to grab the service guide. let me know if you get any issues.

[@michaelwolak3098]

Hi mike great video and instructions Mike

[@MrLosttheplot]

hi, great video, thanks. i cant use dropbox on my linux computer. can this method work on my lima railbus, please

[@MikesMovies]

Yes, absolutely, what's your email address?

[@trainlover658]

Well does it work on the steam locos such as the J50 and 94XX?

[@MikesMovies]

@pss1967 Hi Paul, so glad to help, happy running :)

[@grahammellstrom4995]

Mike. Can you please advise how to remove the wheels? I've found this service guide very helpful to date but I have now acquired a Lima class 87 and two small cogs broken. I think I need to remove the wheels to replace with new cog. Kind regards. Graham

[@MikesMovies]

Hi Graham, I don't think I have ever done it, but would imagine the cogged side will pull out of the axel.

[@grahammellstrom4995]

@@MikesMovies Hi Mike thanks for taking the time to reply. Someone has been at this poor thing before me and butchered it. I have taken the broken cogs off but not sure if I will get the replacement ones in when they arrive. I'll definitely have a go. I've really enjoyed your service guide and has very much been instrumental in getting me back I to the hobby. I have recently acquired my old boyhood engines from my brother so some of hese are 40+ years old and I can't tell you what joy it was to see one running again after following your step by step lima guide. I'll look forward to seeing if you have any more service guides... Best wishes, and thanks again. Graham

[@MikesMovies]

@@grahammellstrom4995 Thanks Graham, I am so glad to read that. Please follow me over on Model Railways Unlimited, I started a dedicated model rail channel in 2019 and all my new stuff is there. Take care. Mike

[@grahammellstrom4995]

@@MikesMovies thanks Mike I'll definitely do that. Cheers. G

[@MikesMovies]

@@grahammellstrom4995 Many thanks, links on my last video here

[@shadownet4597]

This turned my V/Line Commonwealth Engineering S-Class from a slug into a cheetah. The wheels were chalked up with carbon and the inner shell was covered in oil. I have the lubricants suggested in this video on the way, so it'll be a few days before she's back to normal... but I was thinking about adding an LED light to the front and rear of my loco.

[@MikesMovies]

Glad to hear I have been of help, yes I have added lights to my class 47s and 37s there are kits out there that make it very easy

[@peterwilding9861]

Hello Mike Just watched your excellent video,i have recently purchased a number of lima locos ....37.....40......55 and all run apallingly so i am going to have a go at your procedure,though it appears to me that pickups are part of the problem,do you ever add extra weight to improve pickup or is it just the nature of brass wheels BR Pete

[@MikesMovies]

peter wilding Hi Pete, thanks very much and do check out the update video. Never found the need for extra weight, plus with plastic bearings it could cause wear. Sometimes the wheels can become slightly corroded if not used for some time, maybe this is what you have, just give them a good clean up and all should be fine. Good luck, let me know how you ge on

[@jondoe5895]

Hello Mike, Just watched your video recently, and it works a treat many thanks. Now I have a problem I wonder if you can help me with. I recently bought two Mainline Peak class 45 locos, and they run like a slug!. Do you know of any motor upgrades or something that I can do to kick some life into these dreadful locos. Any suggestions would be great. Many thanks, Dave.

[@MikesMovies]

Hi Jon, glad it helped, sadly while a lovely loco the Mainline 45s have issues as you have discovered, one of the biggest is split gears on the drive wheels, also the motor has plastic bearings! You could strip it down, make sure the brushes are ok and springs etc, clean the commutator and oil around. Got the same thing with one of mine

[@MikesMovies]

@trainlover658 Hi, can't vouch for that but will be trying in on my ones soon, I would imagine the same imperfections on the gears will be present and thus removing them should produce the same results? If you do it can you post your findings here?

[@BooklessT]

Hi Mike. I enjoyed the clip - very easy to follow. Do you have a link to the hardcopy manual?

[@BooklessT]

I'm loathe to put my email out there for the world to see!

[@MikesMovies]

Hi Tom there should be a link in the video description box

[@brianm9315]

Hi watch out the download has been compromised and you may be offered a flash update - its a Trojan - Not Mike's fault its the tiny URL site advert causing it I think! Mike - thanks useful information!

[@MikesMovies]

Brian M Hey Thanks Brian, I am going to change the link to this one www.dropbox.com/s/s90kqr24stcf75t/lima%20service.pdf?dl=0 hope it works now, thanks very much for alerting me

[@MikesMovies]

Service guide is now available for download please see the info/description section.

[@MikesMovies]

Hi guys, here is the updated video kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5CZZ4ynabOenac

[@smartdesignuneed]

download link is not working

[@edmowl]

excellent vid. Thanks

[@MikesMovies]

Hi, thanks very much! do you have many Lima?

[@edmowl]

MikesMovies I just have 1 Class 47 which is a few years old and needs upgrading after being unused for a few years. Eventually I may add it to my DCC stable with a decoder but meantime your step by step instructions were very helpful in getting me started. One question, is there a big difference between 99% IPA and 95% IPA. I have the latter. Thanks

[@MikesMovies]

Not sure but it would depend on what the 5% was made up of? if it was water it might cause rust?

[@MikesMovies]

Hi, please note I can't send the file out anymore, please see the download link in the description above. Thanks

[@tobys_transport_videos]

Hi Mike, thanks for the tips on Lima locos, and the link to download your guide. Do you have anything for older Hornby locos? I have two Hornby steam locos in my collection that aren't healthy. If you know of some way of making them perform like new again, it would be good knowledge to have and I can pass it on to someone here in Australia to work on.

[@MikesMovies]

Very many thanks, do your locos use the xo4 type motors? If yes there are a couple of guides I have made for this type

[@tobys_transport_videos]

Hello again, and thanks for the reply. I don't know what type of motors my old Hornby stuff uses, but any guides/tips that can be used to bring seemingly tired motors back to life would certainly be appreciated. :-)

[@MikesMovies]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWXVoZaAYq-ijLc

[@jeeromonster]

brilliant video! it's n gauge lima locos I have. do you reckon it would be safe to put the whole thing in the cleaner minus the body of course?

[@MikesMovies]

Hi Gary, as long as there is no paint on anything then maybe yes. IPA will remove that and 'all' lubricant. Thanks for the kind comments :)

[@jeeromonster]

MikesMovies thanks for the reply Mike, I just watched your other more up to date video, great also. I will try and source a jewelry cleaner and some IPA from maplins and give it a go,my trains run pretty lumpy anyway so it can't makes things any worse. cheers.

[@MikesMovies]

Good luck, any chance of making a video of your findings?

[@DiggerEvans]

downloaded many thanks

[@tj-scott]

Isopropyl + Eye - sa - pro - pull

[@MikesMovies]

Thanks, I'll put it up somewhere more reliable

[@motorheadmalc]

IPA's full name isn't that difficult to say. Isopropyl = Eye-So-Pro-Pill.

[@MikesMovies]

Good for you :) glad you enjoyed

[@motorheadmalc]

You're welcome. You're good at this, great attention to detail and a natural at explaining stuff. PLEASE say you have Minitrix spares available. Namely, those little shanked screws that hold pacific con-rods on driving wheels.

[@MikesMovies]

Many thanks, sadly no spares I am just a private individual. But I found this site new.minitrix.co.uk/index.php/marketplace/oo-gauge/spares-parts

[@motorheadmalc]

I just had a look. "N-Gauge - Spares & Parts No Products Available"

[@spartaprague417]

Eye-So-Pro-Pile in the UK...............

[@petermeadows9773]

Hi Mike tried to download the lima Service Sheet but the site comes up dodgy. If you could send me one please many thanks (steampowered) peter Meadows

[@MikesMovies]

Hi, I would hide your email address! just checked the download site and its fine, Tiny URL and file host is ok, you might get a few ads etc but nothing to be concerned about. Give it another go maybe?

[@petermeadows9773]

ok Mike thanks

[@MikesMovies]

Hi, looks like no one downloaded the file for 100+ days so it was automatically removed, I just updated it so should work now. Thanks s000.tinyupload.com/?file_id=02638627407124217931

[@dmu1964]

how do

[@dmu1964]

how do you get the body off lima class 20 locomotive

[@MikesMovies]

Think you have to remove the buffers

[@berry120]

Thanks for the great guide! Just wanted to check the gearbox lube you used - was it this? (ebay.eu/1O0E6X6) FWIW I've just done a similar routine on my Mainline warship diesel, which was stuttering all over the place before and works ok now (brushes are worn, but it's hard finding mainline spares so I just cleaned them up a bit and put them back.) On the plus side, the thing was less than £15 on ebay including postage :-)

[@MikesMovies]

+berry120 Hi and thanks, yes that is the gear lube. Mainline warship ah! managed to get mine running sweet if you find my 'day on the Western video' you can see her. The do suffer from split drive gears, the brushes, you might find hornby ones filed down a bit will work?

[@berry120]

Nice - just watched the video! I think the gears in mine are a bit worn out too, there's a bit too much lateral movement for my liking (interestingly the drive gears seem fine though, it's the others that are the issue!) Having said that, at the moment it's running reasonably well without any lubrication, so when the gearbox grease arrives that should make a fair difference. The hornby ringfield ones I had didn't fit, I could file them down I suppose but since they're clean and back in for now I'll leave it until they start to show their age again!

[@MikesMovies]

+berry120 Don't forget the motor bearings and gear pinions as well as axles all need proper lubrication. Good luck

[@berry120]

+MikesMovies Will do, thanks!

[@berry120]

MikesMovies One other thing I meant to ask - do you know what type of screws I need for securing the body to the chassis? Mine was missing them when it shipped...

[@MikesMovies]

These will soon be an update to this video why not subscribe so you don't miss it kzbin.info

[@pss1967]

Thanks Mike for providing such a clear, easy to follow, and entertaining guide to servicing Lima locos. I was surprised at the amount of flash left on the gears, etc, no doubt as a result of the manufacturing process. Thanks to your guide, I know what to look out for when taking the motor/gears apart. Look forward to your next film. Regards, Paul