Evening all, It's time again for the Gingerbread Village and Christmas train here at the conference center. I'm using the same cars but they have held up so well through much running and I got the Lil' Critter repaired and running as it should. There is still an Egg Liner ready for backup. This year I was first told to expect a large horseshoe layout but when I got there they had changed everything and all I needed was a fairly small circle layout. Of course I didn't have most of that track with me and spent an hour getting one together but it runs perfectly. Today I went and checked on it and all the buildings had been put in place and are ready for the big opening tomorrow night. Attached are a couple of preview pictures and there may be some more from the opening. My Dad wonders why I do this but it's a lot of fun and the kids love it. Maybe it will stick with a few of them and someday bring in some more model railroaders. By the way if there is a sugar shortage in the South, this is probably why. Rick H.
We took it down today after just under a month of steady running every day. The Lil Critter failed early, just slowed down and quit so the gift wrapped Egg Liner took over. Otherwise no maintenance was needed at any time, a first for this project. I figure it all ran for a total of about 700 miles. Now to clean them up, fix little things and figure out why the Critter won't run!! Rick H.
Wonder if brushes worn out, or electrical contact dirty. Only a suggestion. Also wondering what internal gearing looks like. Badly worn? Sounds like a successful event!
I bought it as a new (supposedly) unit but it hasn't held up well at all. I'll look through the gears, brushes and so on but not sure why this should be such s problem child. The Egg Liner that took over has run this train for about 4 years and keeps right on going. Rick H.