I have 2-10-0 Pennsylvania locomotive made by Trix. Motor spins but wheels don't. I want to fix it, but need the best way in and any tips on this repair. Thanks, Jim
I don't see your 2-10-0 on the site below, but on the page you'll see a Minitrix section and a dropdown for their other steam locomotives. http://www.hoseeker.net/nscale.htm The mechanical connection between the motor shaft and the gears that transmit torque to the wheels is often open to view in older Trix steam power, looking like what's seen in the photo below. If you remove the body shell perhaps you'll be able to spot the problem.
Trying to figure this reply thing out. Well, anyway my worm is brass and the gear it is supposed to drive is a red plastic. They seem to have minimal engagement but there is some. Also, the worm gear and shaft seem to allow freedom on the right side. Nothing holds it rigidly in place.
There may be the source of trouble. There ought to be a small bit of clearance between the two gears and they should be rigidly fixed with no side-to-side motion. Perhaps the parts that hold some of the components in place are missing or perhaps the screws hold the motor in place are loose or missing? I don't own one of these (but did own the Trix 4-6-2 and 0-6-0), so it's hard for me to know how the 2-10-0s were constructed. My 4-6-2 wasn't a good runner and my 0-6-0 was only marginally better. These are testy old units; 40 to 45 Years old. I'm hoping that someone here has a 2-10-0 and can help.
I don't. But screws are usually involved. Sometimes you find them by looking at the bottom between the cylinders. Sometimes they hide in the stack. You shouldn't be able to turn the drive wheels by hand. If you can, the worm shaft might be loose inside the worm gear, or more likely, that red plastic gear is slipping on the axle.
I can't turn the drive wheels by hand. There is that much gear contact. There are no screws. The red gear is on a pin. I would love to see exploded view.
Well, I got it to run using some plastic shim stock which keeps the motor from shifting away from the gear under load. You're right. It is not the greatest runner. Are there ways to improve its running on a locomotive of that type?
I found a page that might help you at [ http://www.spookshow.net/loco/decapod.html ]. The weight is important for contact and it seems that the tender helps pick up current too. Like my Trix steamers, it seems that the 2-10-0 was also not a wonderful machine. By contrast, the Trix diesels of the era were quite good.
