Sorry for the cross-post: I recently purchased from an individual a 1998 Atlas SD60 and it's having problems going around tight curves. I first thought my radius was too tight, but my other SD60 and two SD50s handle the curve fine. Problem is, the engine slows down or stalls while going around one particular curve. The motor loses RPM and eventually stops. I first thought the problem was contact strips. The originals were a little bent. But after replacing, the problem still persisted, although performance improved when the loco was driving forward. Anybody have ideas what could be the problem? I would think if the wheels were out of gauge, the engine would not at least lose RPM. Right? Unfortunately, the engine is well past its warranty, and can't be returned, so any offerings will be appreciated.
I've had a similar problem with an SD60 series loco too. It may be as simple as a dirty contact strip that rides above the trucks. If that does not do it, try swapping the front and rear truck positions and see what happens. If it continues to happen in the same direction as before, it's not a truck. If it happens like it did but in the reverse direction, it is something in a truck (like a wheel out of gauge, for example). Swapping truck positions may actually resolve the problem (it did on mine). Russ
Thanks. I know it's not a dirty contact strip, as I replaced with brand-spanking new Atlas parts. I'll try swapping the trucks. If a wheel was out of gauge, would it cause the motor to slow down? Wouldn't it just spin?
have you gauged your track through that section? if it was a little narrow and your truck gage a little wide, it could be wedging, which could cause it to stall
Was this unit used? I have to disassemble the trucks on my 60's quite often to clean the sideframe contacts. Also check for binding in the drivetrain when the trucks are turned. Hope this helps!
The problem is most likely with the guage of the wheels. Be carefull to make them a little wider than your NMRA standard. I had to tinker with mine for a while to get them exactly right but they are very touchy to this and if it is not exact they don't run worth a darn in the corners. Be happy that it is not anything electrical or mechanical and with the right amount of patience you can fix it. Or contact atlas and order new trucks and that will fix it. Good luck, Bryan
There are soooo many things wrong with the earlier Atlas SD-60 design. I have 2 that have never run right from day one. I do know that around tight curves the drive shafts sometimes jamb up the motor which then flexes the motor slightly which moves it in it's plastic mount. If the motor contacts move slightly they can interupt power through the circuit board. To fix this, solder small wire from the motor contacts to the circuit board. Earlier SD-60/50 models had wheels that weren't properly plated. If your wheel treads appear brass or copper colored or even black, what little plating on the wheels has gone away. When this happens, the wheels become dirty very quickly and make very poor contact with the rails. You will need to order new wheelsets from atlas to fix this. As previously mentioned, the truck contact strips and wheel point contact pieces are very prone to dirt and grime and over lubrication also. IMHO, These locos are a maintenance shop nightmare.
Thanks to all those who replied to my sick SD60. After taking some of the advice offered, I'm happy to say it is resting comfortably with all functions working well. I discovered what looked like coagulated (sp?) goo on one of the worm gears. I cleaned it off, then swapped the trucks front to back like one listee suggested. I also realigned the new contact strips, and realigned a couple of wheels. She's running pretty smooth, although there is a tinsey, tinsey bind in reverse (not anything near as bad as was before). I decided to quit while I was ahead. Honestly, I think cleaning the worm gear and readjusting the contact strip did the most good. At any rate, she's running much better and makes that bargain price of $37.50 even sweeter. Thanks again, guys.
Anyone know if Atlas got the above mentioned problems fixed for the new release?I have a UP lightning stripe on order.I too have had problems with my SD 60's,(loud,and lots of problems with gunk building up on the wheels fast!)however,I am willing to risk getting one more,can't wait to see the white lights.
I've got 3 SD60's, 3 SD60M's and a couple of SD50's and must say they have all run perfectly, maybe I'm just lucky, but just in case do you know who stocks Atlas spares here in England (this may be one for you Alan!). ConrailPete Conrail lives on in the UK
how do you know which SD60s are the early models with known issues. by model number or when they were built/ benjamin
I would say by road name.I don't know what roads were in the first release.Isn't the newest release the 3rd?
