Alright I bought 3 of these years ago from the Swap Meet area, and 2 of them have never run correctly. One is really good and quiet, the other 2 make a kind of grinding noise, one worst then the other. Do I need to just order NEW motors and trucks for them? I want to finally get them working correctly so I can run all 3 of them. I am a little confused as to what motor to Buy as there is two of them on their parts site? Any help appreciated? https://shop.atlasrr.com/c-908-n-classic-u25b-locomotive-parts.aspx I want the entire assembly for both motors and trucks as I don't want to have to mess with small parts right now. But I want to get them working finally at this point.
Before you spend your money on new motors have you lightly lubed the motors and gear trains. Then lash them up all except for the good running one and let them have an hour of non stop running, one hour in each direction.
Your best bet is to contact Atlas. I've come upon website confusion with Atlas motors myself and they're usually prompt to respond. The other issue you might face is Atlas' different motors. There's their "Scale Speed" line, their absolute slowest motor with black case and green tint armature I think. Then there's their "Slow Speed" Motor and maybe even a third type that was original on the older units. I've been frustrated with sometimes buying new motors, then finding that their speed doesn't match other locomotives I have of the same model. @John Moore 's suggestion is good. If you're up for it, you can remove the motors and run them to see how they run unencumbered by any mechanism. That will help you isolate the problem and if you end up buying motors, you can ask Atlas to match the type you have.
Most likely it is not the motor. To have TWO be defective is slim. Similar to what John said, try LIGHTLY lubing the bearing blocks. If that doesn't work, then the motor bearings where the shafts come out. Motor bearings should even be lubed less than bearing blocks lest you foul the brushes and commutator.
Sounds like misalignment of the motor. Check bearing block placements. This can also happen when the frame halves are not equally tightened or are ober tightened
Wahls Clipper Oil. It works just as good as the high priced 'speciality' oils for model trains. JMO Put a small drop on the tip of a toothpick and touch it to the surface you want oiled...JMO...again
Either a light gear oil like LaBelle's #102 or the Wahls Clipper oil. And I agree with checking the motor alignment and any shaft bearing blocks while it is apart for oiling.
I'll get the LaBelle's #102, meant too last time I was at local Hobby Shop. Couldn't remember what it was Yeah I have taken these things apart so many times to check them. One hasn't had the shell on in ages. I'll look again! Even with the shell off they don't run well! One actually works the sound just drives me nuts should be quiet like the one that works really well? Reason I was gonna order NEW motors and trucks? Are they pre oiled? New ones? Gonna order the LaBelle #102 soon!
If you have a fabric shop they normally carry sewing machine oil. Also the sewing and crafts department of most major stores like Walmart etc. Just make sure the oil is safe for plastics.
Ordered LaBelle #102 should be safe for plastic? On the way should be here tomorrow. Got it from Hamazon, paid a bit more but no long drive to Hobby Shop, or $9.99 for shipping. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Now to find videos how to do this. Yes I know I should know but never used this type oil. Should I check the Intermountain FT A&B although I think he said he had just checked it. I’ll read my Swap Meet PM’s. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Says Plastic Compatible if you blow up the picture. https://labelle-lubricants.com/shop/labelle-102-is-an-extremely-versatite-gear-lubricant/
Have you tried the Bearden bearing treatment? Remove the inboard bearing on both worms. That is the one next to the motor.
When I get my oil I'll check out a YouTube video I know exist for cleaning an Atlas U25B again, if I can find it? Should be able too! Mine makes the noise this one does. Two of them do, one worse than the other. So it was misaligned, probably what is wrong with mine. I've tried this many times and as he says it is a PITA to align them. I'll try again to check them, and needed the LaBelle Oil anyway. If not I am ordering NEW motors. If I can figure out the correct ones to get? I don't know how many times I have tried to align those tiny things?
Sewing machine oil contains an anti wear additive and is safe for plastic. Wahl Clipper oil is straight mineral oil. It has no anti wear. Use Singer sewing machine oil.