How Make Atlas Locomotives Run Better For Free!!

[@michaelsmodelrailroading7665]

A very useful video. I have a few ATLAS locomotives. Thank you for sharing

[@Stanf954]

Biggest culprit is over lubrication of the running gear. A tiny bit is enuff

[@deborahmorey7227]

Informational videos are a thumbs up from me!

[@Greatdome99]

The problem is excess grease, not the design. Clean out the grease, then lubricate only the worm gear and its shaft with a light (LaBelle) lubricant. Involute (spur) gears need no lube since they don't rub against each other. Another help is to add small conductive washers to all outboard axles so there is less clearance between the wheel hub and pickup plate.

[@jimweikak457]

I have several of them , some Newer some from between 1975 an 1977 an few Newer !!, And I haven't had any problems with mine , I really enjoy them !!!!

[@dacuzzz]

great tutorial ...nice job... thx for sharing.. vinny

[@Ebeniste]

My old Atlas locomotives thanks you

[@redbirdtony2010]

Nice video I might do this to a couple of my Atlas locos

[@CartersTrains]

I love videos like this. I would love it if you could do more!

[@edsadventures3575]

That was a great tip and video. I always wondered why my tracks would have black grease on them.... Thanks!

[@IHVRRNotBad]

Thank you for the tips. I really like videos that show easy tips to save money. You did an excellent job teaching this tip. Thank you so much for sharing... Wilmer-IHVRR

[@mrsam6751]

Great tip!

[@w.rustylane5650]

I would think that this problem occurred because of over lubrication of the gearboxes. I now own 4 Atlas engines but mine are brand new and I will not over lubricate them. Two Atlas GP-7's, Atlas RS-3 and an Atlas Fairbanks-Morse H15-44. When soldering to brass it helps to use a little rosin core solder with some additional rosin flux. Never use plumbers flux as it is corrosive. I agree with no rubbing alcohol, but odorless mineral spirits can be used without fear of paint loss. A keep alive circuit is very easy to build. All you need is a little square full wave bridge rectifier & a 1000uF capacitor. Cheers from eastern TN

[@missmisiowa]

the mysterious "keep alive" sounds like a capacitor with diodes. (assuming DC loco) i will look into it. could be a VERY cheap DIY.

[@Track10Trains]

Correct. You can buy them or if you have some skill with a soldering iron they are not that hard to make.

[@MilePost106]

I had Atlas N scale locomotives that just wouldn’t run right. That’s what kept me from buying another one and went to Kato. On the N scale I have tried everything possible, they have the same exact contact as the HO scale and I will try the same thing you are doing. Thanks for the tip.

[@jbro2341]

Good information and presentation! Will do some truck maintenance on my Atlas Locomotives

[@Track10Trains]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chuckythedoll4815]

One can find and purchase the plastic truck covers, if need be.

[@ManifestPhil99]

I do like videos like this and came across it while looking for a fix/repair to make run an Atlas/ Riverossi N scale 4-6-2 as I picked up 2 for $5 each at a swap meet. They do not run as the other100 or so in that box that I got these 2.

[@WisconsinRailfan22]

Nice video

[@dennisarmes3473]

track 10.... fyi oil and grease are conductive of electrical current ... put grease on your car battery terminals to prevent the oxidation process ( that white chaulky stuff that builds up on the terminal). just fyi

[@alcopower5710]

Thanks for showing this

[@Track10Trains]

No problem!

[@missmisiowa]

great tip. thanks. i was under the impression that one should not file nor sand the brushes? just clean them well instead with contact cleaner. not sure - i am new here! how often this service will need to be done?

[@dennisarmes3473]

those are NOT brushes they are contact plates... actual brushes rub against the armature/stator at the can motor

[@jimweikak457]

I don't use regular oil, I use Lucas Gun Oil it's little thicker and moisture proof and Heat resistant , Much better grade oil , And White grease , safe for plastic an rubber , I apply it with a needle , no over oiling !!!!!! , Ben doing that for years !!! , Great running engine's no problem's !!!!!!, Promise!

[@michaelcudby787]

THhisis the same design that most manufacturers use, & is not an Atlas problem. The main problem here is the trucks were over lubricated. The gears in these trucks are pretty much self lubricating. If any lube is used on the gears, it should be grease, used SPARINGLY.. The worm gear thrust washer are the main point of wear, using light oil. Michael NZ