THE GILBERT HALL American Flyer, Operating And Assembly Instructions Manual

Page: 60 / 66

TESTING THE LOCOMOTIVE
If
a locomotive refuses to run, first see that current is being supplied to
the track. After checking the track for shorts as described on page 00, and
it
is
0.
k., be sure all connections from transformer to track are correct and
firmly fastened. See that all track pins are firmly inserted into the track open-
ings. Turn the transformer on and hold a screwdriver blade on the outer rail
and lightly rub the end of the screwdriver on the other rail. If there
is
cur-
bent in the track, a small spark will be seen.
If the spark is evident a t the rails, be sure all wheels are in place on
the rails. The locomotive will not run without the tender as the current for
the locomotive is picked up by alternate metal wheels on the tender. Be sure
the metal wheels on the front truck are on one rail and those on the rear
truck are on the other rail. The plugs on the ends of the wires protruding from
the front of the tender are inserted into the socket holes in the panel on the
rear of the locomotive. I n the event these plugs are disconnected, either plug
can be inserted in either hole.
If power is being picked up by your locomotive, the headlight will light.
Considering that this is the case and still your locomotive will not run, turn
your transformer lever off then on several times to actuate the control on the
locomotive.
Check the various piston and valve rods to see they are not bent and
binding.
Look for loose or broken connections in the locomotive. Examine the
brushes to see that they are not worn out and that they make good contact
with the commutator.
If the wheels move, but slowly and a higher voltage than is customary
is required, simply cleaning and lubricating the motor may be all that is
necessary.
The commutator is the copper surface on the armature, on which the
brushes make contact. If it is dirty, it will also tend to slow down the motor
and will cause the brushes to wear out faster.
TO
CLEAN THE COMMUTATOR
ON
A
DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE
First, remove the truck sides on the power truck by taking out the two
screws in the bottom plate. When screws are removed, the entire truck side
unit slips off. This will expose the commutator and brushes.
Brushes can then be lifted lightly to see that they have spring tension.
Next, block entire locomotive up so wires can be attached to the two trucks.
You can then turn current on and, with motor running slowly, hold a very fine
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