I’d say it’s likely a combination of dirty track and the need for additional feeder wires which is causing your loss of power on certain sections of track.
I had an axle seize up on my Beta 4.5 powered model. I had to take the bogie/truck off, used a lot of lubricant until I was able to spin the axle freely by hand, added some lubricant to the other axle just to be safe, and put it back together. So far I haven’t had any problems, but I still keep listening for a squeaking noise the model made before the seizure. As well as oiling the gears and axles as best I can before each use when it hasn’t been ran in a while.
That could be a mechanical problem. I would try it with some transformer test leads with alligator clamps, directly connected to a transformer, and see if it runs the same. I have bought conventional can motored engines that surge with restricted speeds like that. I have found them with missing or dried grease and misaligned worm and helix gears. The gears and motor mounting parts are milled to very accurate tolerances, and the slightest misalignment can cause erratic running. They need periodic maintenance based on run time. I have found that even new engines are not adequately greased. Try spinning the flywheels on top of the motors by hand. They should spin uniformly super easy without restrictions or sporadically. Some are even sent purposely without gear grease and / or oil intentionally so as not to leak on everything inside the box and require servicing before running for the first time. I have also had engines with slightly loose motor mounts. The black metal ring attached to the bottom of the can motor. Wiggle the motor with it mounted to the truck sitting on the track and see if you can detect any play. Most can motors are attached to the trucks by a single screw and can easily be removed for servicing. I reattach them by spinning the flywheels to draw the worm shaft down into mesh with the helical gear on the axel. Once installed, the flywheels will spin super easy without binding while turning the wheels in the trucks.
What power pack are you using?? The Menard's loco needs a little more power than the traditional locosa. Also your power pack needs to be on full power if you want the Menard's loco to run faster. Good luck
@@davevan8864 Thank you for the information I am using a Lionel it’s 90 watts I tested the track it’s getting right at 18v I have it cranked all the way up 🚂🚂🚂
I noticed a capacitor that looks leaky on top. I see a what looks like a substance on top of this capacitor. And poor connection would do this too get a schematic and fix it.
I dont think it the engine but a power issue ,it slows down at the same spot its electrical on your track . you can try adding feeder wires to the area , and tightening up the connections around the track pins
I started my trains with Menards products. My recommendation to you is buy from Lionel and Mth. Menards products are lower quality and eventually problems arise with them.
I would run a pair of feeder wires where your bridges are. It looked to me like there is a voltage drop at that area. Try that and see if it makes a difference……
Cheap Chinese junk lasted all of 4 months. Sounds about right. Possibly one of the mice running around inside the motor died. Honestly with all that electronics package it could be hiding in there as a faulty component. Might want to rethink if all that electronic gizmos is worth it.
I see you really enjoy trains, this is the second time you have had issues with a Menards loco. Your money is good. And you are not satisfied with the merchandise your purchasing. 1st call corporate and speak to a manager about your issues, 2nd don’t accept a in store credit and make them understand that. 2 times they lost the their ace in the hole , be insistent and make them know how you want this resolved. If they can’t resolve the problem with their locos go somewhere else. Also you are paying for a device that is supposed to operate a certain way for a certain amount of time In my opinion you shouldn’t be repairing or asking if someone can help repair a new item. That the manufacturer should be tending to, Also you run the risk of voiding any warranty by trying to repair it your self. I put together a large Xmas display and by second hand items that need repair and enjoy making those repairs but when I purchase new and there is a issue it goes right back to the seller. Menards can afford to replace or refund money for defective sold items. Good luck!
Jeremy of to many hobbys had simalar problem but sounds like u found his video u can use couple jumper wires to power it and see if both trucks are turning also look at lubrication and if trucks have any binding
No problem wish u best I haven't had problems with mine that aren't screw that holds motor to trucks can work loose but usaly here it scweeking would take zip strap off the back motor wires to give it slack sure acts like one motor not running would remove shrink rap on all motor leads the shrink rap may make it fill tight but actually be broak loose underneath
I hope you can figure out the issue without having to return the locomotive. Good luck!
@@TwistedMacGyversTrains Thank you
I have 3 Mernards locomotive so far no problem. If marnards get it together with quality control it will be a great affordable train
I have the up f3 locomotive and the Santafe locomotive no problems as of yet just really enjoy running my trains
I’d say it’s likely a combination of dirty track and the need for additional feeder wires which is causing your loss of power on certain sections of track.
@@293awesome Thank you for the advice 🚂🚂🚂
I had an axle seize up on my Beta 4.5 powered model. I had to take the bogie/truck off, used a lot of lubricant until I was able to spin the axle freely by hand, added some lubricant to the other axle just to be safe, and put it back together.
So far I haven’t had any problems, but I still keep listening for a squeaking noise the model made before the seizure. As well as oiling the gears and axles as best I can before each use when it hasn’t been ran in a while.
@@steamrailwilly Great information thank you 🚂🚂🚂
Hi Pilot Ren i have a new phone thanks for the video😃
@@Santafefrank sounds great and thank you 🚂🚂🚂
That could be a mechanical problem. I would try it with some transformer test leads with alligator clamps, directly connected to a transformer, and see if it runs the same. I have bought conventional can motored engines that surge with restricted speeds like that. I have found them with missing or dried grease and misaligned worm and helix gears. The gears and motor mounting parts are milled to very accurate tolerances, and the slightest misalignment can cause erratic running. They need periodic maintenance based on run time. I have found that even new engines are not adequately greased. Try spinning the flywheels on top of the motors by hand. They should spin uniformly super easy without restrictions or sporadically. Some are even sent purposely without gear grease and / or oil intentionally so as not to leak on everything inside the box and require servicing before running for the first time. I have also had engines with slightly loose motor mounts. The black metal ring attached to the bottom of the can motor. Wiggle the motor with it mounted to the truck sitting on the track and see if you can detect any play. Most can motors are attached to the trucks by a single screw and can easily be removed for servicing. I reattach them by spinning the flywheels to draw the worm shaft down into mesh with the helical gear on the axel. Once installed, the flywheels will spin super easy without binding while turning the wheels in the trucks.
@@DRCRailroard Thank you very much for this detailed explanation I will start looking into it 🚂🚂🚂
What power pack are you using?? The Menard's loco needs a little more power than the traditional locosa. Also your power pack needs to be on full power if you want the Menard's loco to run faster. Good luck
@@davevan8864 Thank you for the information I am using a Lionel it’s 90 watts I tested the track it’s getting right at 18v I have it cranked all the way up 🚂🚂🚂
You try using an oum meter on the component parts of the engine ?
@@archangelgaberialpreist2006 Thank you for the advice but no I haven’t 🚂🚂🚂
I've logged 18hrs first 9 was contentious running. No issues at all.
@@kingjulian9496 sounds good 🚂🚂🚂
Did you check the gears
@@Frank-wb811 Yes Sir they seem to fine 🚂🚂🚂
I noticed a capacitor that looks leaky on top. I see a what looks like a substance on top of this capacitor. And poor connection would do this too get a schematic and fix it.
@@phillipalexander5389 Thank you I will have a closer look 🚂🚂🚂
I dont think it the engine but a power issue ,it slows down at the same spot its electrical on your track . you can try adding feeder wires to the area , and tightening up the connections around the track pins
@@davidkoehler136 Thank you for the help 🚂🚂🚂
I started my trains with Menards products. My recommendation to you is buy from Lionel and Mth. Menards products are lower quality and eventually problems arise with them.
@@ConnorsOGaugeTrains Thank you I appreciate the advice. I have an older Lionel that you seen in the video it runs like a beast 🚂🚂🚂
It may be your traction tires slipping
@@firefly0282 Good thought but I checked them 🚂🚂🚂
Is the motor getting warm or hot🤔
@@Frank-wb811 No nothing gets hot or smells burnt
Check the motor to see if ther something is in the gears some time it cause it to slow it down .
@@Frank-wb811 Thank you good idea 🚂🚂🚂
I would run a pair of feeder wires where your bridges are. It looked to me like there is a voltage drop at that area. Try that and see if it makes a difference……
@@jamesmorgangunsandtrains7132 Sounds great thank you 🚂🚂🚂
I would try taking the trucks off and checking lubrication. Might be poorly lubed from the factory.
@@danhodgson9909 That’s a very good point thank you 🚂🚂🚂
Cheap Chinese junk lasted all of 4 months. Sounds about right. Possibly one of the mice running around inside the motor died. Honestly with all that electronics package it could be hiding in there as a faulty component. Might want to rethink if all that electronic gizmos is worth it.
@@genemanno1533 Thank you for your insight 🚂🚂🚂
I see you really enjoy trains, this is the second time you have had issues with a Menards loco. Your money is good. And you are not satisfied with the merchandise your purchasing. 1st call corporate and speak to a manager about your issues, 2nd don’t accept a in store credit and make them understand that. 2 times they lost the their ace in the hole , be insistent and make them know how you want this resolved. If they can’t resolve the problem with their locos go somewhere else. Also you are paying for a device that is supposed to operate a certain way for a certain amount of time In my opinion you shouldn’t be repairing or asking if someone can help repair a new item. That the manufacturer should be tending to, Also you run the risk of voiding any warranty by trying to repair it your self. I put together a large Xmas display and by second hand items that need repair and enjoy making those repairs but when I purchase new and there is a issue it goes right back to the seller. Menards can afford to replace or refund money for defective sold items. Good luck!
@@markgruber2257 You’re exactly right well said thank you 🚂🚂🚂
Jeremy of to many hobbys had simalar problem but sounds like u found his video u can use couple jumper wires to power it and see if both trucks are turning also look at lubrication and if trucks have any binding
@@JimAlderson-cn6ek Yes I think that’s who it was and thank you for the advice 🚂🚂🚂
No problem wish u best I haven't had problems with mine that aren't screw that holds motor to trucks can work loose but usaly here it scweeking would take zip strap off the back motor wires to give it slack sure acts like one motor not running would remove shrink rap on all motor leads the shrink rap may make it fill tight but actually be broak loose underneath
Good luck 👍
@@JimAlderson-cn6ek sounds good thank you
👍
When I buy a Train I buy a Good Quality Train.Lionel’s Lionchief Santa fe Super chief is the way to go.It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.